Background

 Dr. Worthy is an accomplished nursing professional whose clinical expertise encompasses surgical services, intensive care, medical-surgical nursing, and community health. Recognized for her commitment to academic excellence and workforce development, she has devoted much of her career to educating future nurses and has served at the University of South Carolina College of Nursing since 2012. Dr. Worthy is a Certified Nurse Educator [CNE], Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator [CNEcl], Diversity in Nursing Leadership Fellow, and Amy V. Cockcroft Fellow.

Selected awards include the SCNA Daisy Nurse Educator Award (2026), USC College of Nursing Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award (2026), SCNA Daisy Health Equity Award (2025), Sigma Theta Region 7 Star Performance Recognition (2025); USC College of Nursing Outstanding Equity and Justice Inquiry Award (2025), Outstanding Clinical Scholar Award (2025), Innovation Award (2024), Community Engagement Award (2023), and Outstanding Equity and Justice Advocacy Award (2022).  Additional awards include the Southern Regional Educational Board [SREB] Pacesetter, USC Clinical Practice Teaching Award, UofSC College of Nursing Community Engagement Award, South Carolina Palmetto Gold, Sigma Theta Tau International [STTI] Alpha Xi Esther E. Starkey Award for Excellence in Nursing Education, and QSEN National Forum People’s Poster Choice Award.  

Dr. Worthy is a five-time graduate of the University of South Carolina including a PhD in Higher Education Administration with a focus on leadership and policy (2015), Master of Science in Nursing (2006), Master in Public Health Administration (2006), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2000), and Associate of Science in Nursing (1997). Dr. Worthy also received a Certificate of Graduate Study in Higher Education Leadership (2011) from the University of South Carolina. 

Teaching

Dr. Worthy has extensive teaching and mentoring experiences in associate, undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. She has mentored undergraduate, DNP, and PhD students and served as committee members on numerous dissertations, thesis, and projects. She primarily teaches in graduate programs using traditional, online, hybrid, and other innovative delivery platforms to enhance student learning outcomes. She is passionate about empowering students to become competent, caring, high-quality healthcare providers and transformational leaders in our profession.

Research

Concept Areas:

• Teaching and Learning Innovation in Nursing Education 
• Health Equity and Social Justice Advocacy
• Workforce Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Nursing and Healthcare
• Academic-Practice Partnerships and Collaborative Workforce Development

Dr. Worthy’s contributions to research and scholarship includes selected topics such as conceptual based teaching and learning, transformational leadership theories, exploring the perceptions of diverse students, and effective leadership for BSN recruitment in rural communities. Dr. Worthy’s primary research is examining leadership styles to determine whether they correlate with job satisfaction using quantitative methodologies.

Dissemination

Research Podium Presentations

Worthy, K., Davis, V., Harris, E., Swinton, C., & Bell, C. (2026). Reimagining readiness: A scalable academic‑practice model advancing teaching excellence and sustainable nursing workforce pathways. AACN ACE Symposium. Charlotte, NC.

Mitchell, S., Worthy, K., Dievendorf, A., Gibbs, S., & Polyakova-Norwood, V. (2026). Transitioning traditional graduate nursing assignments to AI-enhanced pedagogy aligned with the AACN essentials. AACN ACE Symposium. Charlotte, NC.

S. Bronson, Worthy, K., Bowers, T., Nguyen, L., Chappell, K., Rosier, L., & Russin, K. (2026). Engaging tomorrow's nurses: Leveraging hands-on exploration, simulation, and strategic partnerships to strengthen high school pathways to nursing. AACN ACE Symposium. Charlotte, NC.

Jenerette, C., Murillo, C., Sue-Ling, C. & Worthy, K. (2026). Shrinkage in nursing students: Implications for faculty practice and educational excellence. AACN ACE Symposium. Charlotte, NC.

Worthy, K. (2026). Shattering the glass ceiling: Building a transformative equity-centered nursing workforce within academic and clinical practice paradigms [Keynote]. Student Nurse Association-South Carolina State Convention [SNA-SC]. Columbia, SC.

Worthy, K. (2026). Fostering collaborative communities: Recognition, celebration, and engagement strategies. Sigma Alpha Xi Chapter Speaker Meeting. Columbia, SC

Casseus, K., George, V., Worthy, K., Keane, K., Owusu, B., & Thomas, J., (2025). Recognition, celebration & collaboration: Strategies for enhancing member engagement in Sigma [Symposium]. Sigma 48th Biennial Convention, Indianapolis, IN.

Worthy, K., Sue-Ling, C., Jenerette, C., Tavakoli, A., Hajdini, L., & Murillo, C. (2025). Championing diversity and inclusive work environments: The StAND-UP:SC approach to redefine nursing excellence. Student Nurse Association-South Carolina State Convention [SNA-SC]. Columbia, South Carolina.

Worthy, K., Russin, K., Bowers, T., Bronson, S., Chappell, K., Nguyen, L., & Rosier, L. (2025). Summer adventures in nursing: Attracting high school students to the nursing profession through simulation. International Nursing Association, for Clinical Simulation and Learning [INACSL] 2025. Denver, CO.

Worthy, K., Murillo, C., Jenerette, C., Tavakoli, A., Hajdini, L., & Sue-Ling, C. (2025). Pioneering pathways to diversify nursing and foster inclusion in healthcare: The StAND-UP: SC approach to nursing excellence. University of South Carolina College of Nursing 24th Annual Research & Scholarship Day. Columbia, SC.

Worthy, K., Sue-Ling, C., Jenerette, C., Hajdini, L., & Murillo, C. (2025). StAND-UP: SC-An innovative academy to address health equity in rural communities by diversifying the nursing workforce. 2025 South Carolina Public Health Association Conference [SCPHA]: Telling Our Public Health Story to Non-Traditional Partners.  Myrtle Beach, SC.

Sue-Ling, C., Sanders, S., Worthy, K., Jenerette, C. & Murillo, C. (2025). Academic/public health partnership: An innovative pathway to build an inclusive workforce. 2025 South Carolina Public Health Association Conference [SCPHA]: Telling Our Public Health Story to Non-Traditional Partners.  Myrtle Beach, SC.

Bowers, T., Russin, K., Bronson, S., Worthy, K., Chappell, K., & Rossier, L. (2025). Summer adventure series: Attracting high schoolers to nursing through simulation. International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare [IMSH]: Looking Back Reaching Forward. Orlando, FL.

Worthy, K., Sue-Ling, C., Jenerette, C., Tavakoli, A., Hajdini, L., & Murillo, C. (2025). Student Nurse Association-South Carolina State Convention [SNA-SC]. Columbia, SC.

Worthy, K., Deas, V.M., & Swinton, C. (2024). A new era for academic nursing: An innovative academic-practice partnership to promote student nurse readiness for work. American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN] Transform 2024 Conference-Transforming Academic Nursing: Leading with Creativity and Courage, New Orleans, LA.

Worthy, K., Russin, K., Chappell, K.K., Bronson, S., Bowers, T., Tuten, C., & Rosier, L. (2024). Simulation as a summer adventure for attracting high school students to the nursing profession. South Carolina Nursing Education Simulation Alliance [SCNESA] Conference 2024, Aiken, SC.

Worthy, K. (2024). Surviving Steven’s Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis [SJS/TEN]: A journey to a new normal. Lexington Health Nursing Research Symposium. Lexington, SC.

Swinton, C., Deas, V.M., & Worthy, K. (2023). An academic-practice partnership to promote nurse readiness to work. American Organization for Nursing Leadership [AONL]: Addressing Challenges With Like-Minded Leaders, New Orleans, LA.

Worthy, K., & Jenerette. C. (2023). StAND-UP: SC-An innovative academy to address social determinants of health by enhancing nursing workforce diversity. 6th Annual Live Healthy SC Meeting: Bright Spots for Improving Health in South Carolina. Columbia, SC.

Worthy, K., Swinton, C., & Deas, V.M. (2023). A healthcare-academic practice partnership program to promote student nurse readiness for work. Sigma 47th Biennial Convention. San Antonio, TX.

Worthy, K., & Jenerette, C. (2023). StAND-UP:SC-An innovative program to enhance diversity and inclusive excellence in the nursing workforce. 51st National Black Nurses Association [NBNA] Annual Institute and Conference. Atlanta, GA.

Worthy, K., Jenerette, C., Tavakoli, A., Bryan, M., & Murillo, C. (2022). Project experiential SHiNE: A simulation innovation to prepare nursing students to become social justice advocates for health equity.  South Carolina Nursing Education Simulation Alliance [SCNESA] Conference. Greenville, SC.

Ribar, A., Mitchell, S., & Worthy, K. (2022). CEQ, TEQ & Faculty peer review. Brown Bag Series. University of South Carolina College of Nursing.  Columbia, SC.

Corbett, C.F., Wright, P.J., Worthy, K., & O’Kane, J. (2021). Advancing innovative technologies for medication adherence among adults with chronic conditions. Medication adherence reminder software for virtual home assistants [Symposium].  Sigma 46th Biennial Convention: Honor the Past, Remember the Present, Create the Future.  Indianapolis, IN.

Murillo, C., Worthy, K., Tavakoli, A., Bryan, M., & Jenerette, C. (2021). Teaching the social determinants of health: Ready or not? University of South Carolina 2021 Oktoberfest: A symposium on teaching. Columbia, SC.

Chappell, K.K., Davis, V.H., & Worthy, K. (2020). An experiential concept approach to teach and develop students’ clinical judgement! [Plenary] 3rd Annual Southeast Nursing Faculty Development Conference. Myrtle Beach, SC.

Chappell, K., Worthy, K., & Davis, V. (2019).  Integrating the SAFETY Model into the classroom.  Brown Bag Series.  University of South Carolina College of Nursing.  Columbia, SC.

Davis, V.H., Worthy, K., Graham, C., Chappell, K.K., Ribar, A., Jenerette, C., & Andrews, J. O. (2019). Experiential learning to enhance diversity, inclusion, and equity: A college‐wide initiative. Southern Regional Education Board [SREB] 2019 Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing [CCEN] Annual Conference. Atlanta, GA.

Worthy, K. (2019). Humans as patients in simulation: A multi-patient simulation for senior capstone students. 2019 South Carolina Nursing Education Simulation Alliance 2nd Annual Conference: Collaborating Forward. Columbia, SC.

Matutina, R., & Worthy, K. (2018). Exploring the perceptions of male nursing students enrolled in a traditional baccalaureate degree nursing program. Fifteenth Annual Research Symposium: Transforming Clinical Practice and Education. Greenville, SC.

Worthy, K. (2017).  Relationships among leadership styles and job satisfaction levels: A national study of college of nursing faculty and deans in research intensive institutions.  Lowcountry Nursing Research Conference: Bridging the Gap Between Research and the Bedside.  Charleston, SC.

Worthy, K. (2017).  The relationship between leadership styles and nursing faculty job satisfaction levels. Center for Nursing Leadership: 2017 Annual Leadership Summit.  Columbia, SC.

Worthy, K., & Matutina, R. (2016). Exploring the perceptions of male nursing students enrolled in a traditional baccalaureate degree nursing program. 2016 Baccalaureate Education Conference. American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN]. Anaheim, CA.

Matutina, R., & Worthy, K. (2016). Exploring the perceptions of male nursing students enrolled in a traditional baccalaureate degree nursing program. Center for Nursing Leadership University of South Carolina College of Nursing 2016 Annual Leadership Summit. Columbia, SC.

Matutina, R., & Worthy, K. (2016). Exploring the perceptions of male nursing students enrolled in a traditional baccalaureate degree nursing program. 14th Annual South Carolina Hospital Association Conference. Columbia, SC.

Matutina, R. Conner, B.T., Jennings, P., Worthy, K., & Hickey, P. (2016). Exploring the perceptions of male nursing students enrolled in a traditional baccalaureate degree nursing program. Lowcountry Nursing Research Conference. Charleston, SC.

Tavakoli, A. S., & Worthy, K. (2016).  Using SAS® to examine relationships among leadership styles of college of nursing deans and faculty job satisfaction levels in research intensive institutions[Conference presentation].  2016 SouthEast SAS Users Group [SESUG] Conference, Bethesda, MD.

Zager, L., Manning, L., & Worthy, K. (2015).Conceptual teaching: You don’t have to start your curriculum over! American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN] 2015 Baccalaureate Education Conference. Orlando, FL.

Tavakoli, A., & Worthy, K. (2015).  Using SAS® to examine relationships among leadership styles and job satisfaction levels:  A national study of college of nursing faculty and deans in research intensive institutions.  SAS Global Forum 2016. Las Vegas, NV.

Williams, A., & Worthy, K.  (2014). Effective leadership for BSN recruitment in rural communities. Sigma Theta Tau International [STTI] Leadership Connection 2014. Indianapolis, IN.

Research Poster Presentations

Worthy, K., Swinton, C., Davis, V., & Harris, E. H. (2025). Journey to a new paradigm: A transformative academic-practice partnership redefining nursing education.  Lexington Health Nursing Research Symposium. Lexington, SC.

Nguyen, L. A., Chappell, K. K., Smith, K., Russin, K., Bowers, T., & Worthy, K. (2025). Summer adventures in nursing: Academic-practice partnerships inspiring tomorrow’s nurses. Lexington Health Nursing Research Symposium. Lexington, SC.

Worthy, K., Bowers, T., Russin, K., Nguyen, L. A., Chappell, K., Rosier, L., & Bronson, S. (2025).   From curiosity to calling: Using simulation to spark high school interest in nursing.  South Carolina    Nurses Association 2025 State Convention. Hilton Head, SC.

Swinton, C., & Worthy, K. (2025).  A groundbreaking academic-practice partnership to prepare student nurses for the workforce.  2025 University of South Carolina College of Nursing Research and Scholarship Day. Columbia, SC.

Worthy, K., Sue-Ling, C., Jenerette, C., Hadjini, L., Tavakoli, A.S., & Murillo, C. (2024). StAND-UP: SC-An innovative pathway to diversify nursing and build an inclusive work environment. South Carolina Nurses Association 2024 State Convention. Myrtle Beach, SC.

Worthy, K., Deas, V.M., & Swinton, C. (2024). Journey to a new era: An innovative academic-practice partnership to promote student nurse readiness for the workforce. South Carolina Nurses Association 2024 State Convention. Myrtle Beach, SC.

Worthy, K., & Jenerette, C.O. (2024). An academic public health partnership to diversify the nursing workforce. 2024 South Carolina Public Health Association Conference. Myrtle Beach, SC. 

Deas, V.M., Swinton, C., & Worthy, K. (2023). Leveraging a healthcare-academic practice partnership to develop a nursing student pipeline program. South Carolina Nurses Association 2023 State Convention. Spartanburg, SC.

Worthy, K., Davis, V.H., & Chappell, K.K. (2019). Evaluating effects of a concept-based hybrid curriculum on students’ clinical application and NCLEX success. American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN] 2019 Baccalaureate Education Conference. Orlando, FL.

Tavakoli, A. S., & Worthy, K. (2017).  Using SAS® to examine relationships among leadership styles of college of nursing deans and faculty job satisfaction levels in research intensive institutions.   Traveling Poster for the 2017 Regional and Global Forum.

Heckel, G., Worthy, K., & Rivers, J. L. (2017).  Can we make progress with progression? Analyzing the traditional BSN upper division application process.  University of South Carolina Discovery Day. Columbia, SC.  

Worthy, K., & Zager, L. (2016). Patient safety requires concept mastery. 2016 QSEN National Forum. San Antonio, TX.

Matutina, R. Conner, B., Jennings, P., Worthy, K., & Hickey, P. (2016). Exploring the perceptions of male nursing students enrolled in a traditional baccalaureate degree nursing program. 14th Annual South Carolina Nursing Excellence Conference. Columbia, SC. 

Heckle, G., Worthy, K. & Rivers, J. (2016).  Can we make progress with progression? Analyzing the traditional BSN upper division application process.  University of South Carolina Discovery Day. Columbia, SC.

Professional Service

 Dr. Worthy is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Black Nurses Association (Midlands of South Carolina Black Nurses Chapter), Sigma Theta Tau International (Alpha Xi Chapter and Regional), American Nurses Association, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, South Carolina Nurses Association, National League for Nursing, and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Canada.

Dr. Worthy demonstrates a strong commitment to service and leadership through her active participation on numerous community, professional, and organizational committees and boards of directors.

Professional Practice

Dr. Worthy’s contributions to nursing education extend globally and she has facilitated cross-cultural exchanges aimed at addressing global health issues at the local level. She is the faculty coordinator for an interdisciplinary collaboration with OneWorld Health and has participated on Medical Mission trips to Nicaragua since 2016. She accompanied undergraduate and nurse practitioner students to rural Nicaraguan communities providing healthcare delivery to the residents in their homes and clinics in a culturally competent manner. Their healthcare team serves over 1,100 underprivileged patients in each five-day medical mission excursion.

Dr. Worthy currently serves on the USC Global Health Initiative Steering Committee, an interdisciplinary initiative aimed at strengthening partnerships and global healthcare delivery. 

Publications 

Book Publications

Murillo, C., Townsend-Chambers, C., Bronson, S., & Worthy, K. (2024). The role of research in simulation. In Wilson, L., & Wittmann, R. (Eds.), Certified healthcare simulation (CHSE) review, (3rd ed., pp. 347-368). Springer Publishing Company.

Murillo, C., Townsend-Chambers, C., Bronson, S., & Worthy, K. (2022). The role of research in simulation. In Wilson, L., & Wittmann, R. (Eds.), Review manual for the certified healthcare simulation (CHSE) Exam, 3rd ed. Springer Publishing Company.

Chappell, K. K., & Worthy, K. (2019). Chapter 1: The why and how of teaching & learning conceptually: A step-by-step approach. In Manning, L.S., & Zager, L.R (Eds.), Concepts made insanely easy for clinical nursing! A new approach to prioritizing clinical nursing! (2nd ed.). I CAN Publishing, Inc.

Book Contributions

Manning, L., & Zager, L. (2026). Medical surgical nursing concepts made insanely easy! A new approach to prioritizing clinical nursing! (3rd ed.). I CAN Publishing, Inc.

Manning, L., & Zager, L. (2026). Concepts made insanely easy for clinical nursing! A new approach to prioritizing clinical nursing! (3rd ed.). I CAN Publishing, Inc.

Manning, L., & Zager, L. (2015). Medical surgical nursing concepts made insanely easy! A new approach to prioritizing clinical nursing! (2nd ed.). I CAN Publishing, Inc.

Manning, L., & Zager, L. (2015). Concepts made insanely easy for clinical nursing! A new approach to prioritizing clinical nursing! (2nd ed.). I CAN Publishing, Inc.

Manning, L., & Zager, L. (2014). Medical surgical nursing concepts made insanely easy! A new approach to prioritizing clinical nursing! I CAN Publishing, Inc.

Manning, L., & Zager, L. (2014). Concepts made insanely easy for clinical nursing! A new approach to prioritizing clinical nursing! I CAN Publishing, Inc.

Peer Reviewed Published Scholarship

 Golden, K., Raynor, P., Worthy, K., Vick, L., & Tavakoli, A. (2024). Exploring religiosity, perceived mental health, and coping behaviors of undergraduate African American college students in the South. Journal of American College Health, 27, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2024.2427066 

Swinton, C., Deas, V.M., Worthy, K., Lambdin, C., & Andrews, J.O. (2024). A healthcare-academic practice partnership program to promote student nurse readiness for work. Journal of Nursing Administration, 54(4), 208-212. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000001411 

Murillo, C., Diaz, D.A., Tamanna, N., Worthy, K., & Jenerette, C. (2023). Social determinants of health in graduate nursing simulation education: An integrative review. Nurse Educator, 49(3), 1-5.  https://doi.org/10.1097/NNE.0000000000001561 

Vick, L., Raynor, P., Bush, R., Hutto, A., Potts, M., Inman, D., Schaller, S., Nelson, C., Ribar, A., Worthy, K., McCormick, J., & Baliko, B (2023). Addressing the mental health of nursing students during the pandemic: The evaluation of a needs assessment by a college of nursing mental health task force. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 29(6), 447-456. https://doi.org/10.1177/10783903231205495 

Vick, L., Raynor, P., Bush, R., Hutto, A., Potts, M., Inman, D., Schaller, S., Nelson, C., Ribar, A., Worthy, K., McCormick, J., & Baliko, B (2023). Addressing the mental health of nursing students during the pandemic: The evaluation of a needs assessment by a college of nursing mental health task force. American Nurses Association [ANA], Nursing Continuing Professional Development [NCPD].  

Davis, V.H., Murillo, C., Chappell, K.K., Jenerette, C., Ribar, A.K., Worthy, K., & Andrews, J.O. (2021).  Tipping point: Integrating social determinants of health concepts in a college of nursing. Journal of Nursing Education, 60(12), 703-706. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20211004-05 

Corbett, C.F., Combs E.M., Chandarana, P.S., Stringfellow, I., Worthy, K., Nguyen, T., Wright, P.J., & O’Kane, J.M. (2021). Medication adherence reminder software for virtual home assistants: Mixed methods evaluative study. JMIR Formative Research, 5(7). https://doi.org/10.2196/27327 

Worthy, K., Dawson, R., & Tavakoli, A.S. (2020). Relationships among nursing deans' leadership styles and faculty job satisfaction levels. Journal of Nursing Education, 59(2), 68-75. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20200122-03 

Worthy, K. (2015).  Relationships among leadership styles and job satisfaction levels: A national study of college of nursing faculty and deans in research intensive institutions (Doctoral dissertation).  Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertation & Theses Global. (Order No. 3704420).