Summary
Highlights
The session begins with introductions from Jessica Neely (Department Chair, Vocational Nursing), Elizabeth Bar (Advisor, ADN Program), Claudia Kamacho (Academic Coach, RN to BSN), and Sharon Rice (Program Chair, Patient Care Program). The first question addresses how panel members chose their nursing paths and the viability of traditional BSN routes versus alternative programs like Patient Care Technician (PCT) and Vocational Nursing (VN).
The panel discusses how South Texas College (STC) nursing programs remain competitive. Key advantages include cost-effectiveness, high-quality graduates, early hands-on experience, a state-of-the-art simulation hospital (unique in the RGV), high pass rates on licensure exams, and ACEN accreditation for ADN and BSN programs, which allows graduates to work in VA hospitals.
The discussion moves to the impact of hospital-based nursing programs on STC's application numbers and the ongoing shortage of nurses in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). The panel confirms that despite new programs, the demand for nurses remains high. They also address the flexibility of class and clinical schedules for students with work or family commitments, noting that nursing programs are rigorous and require significant time investment.
STC offers extensive support for students, including the Center for Learning Excellence (CLE) with peer tutoring, orientations with current students sharing success strategies, mental health counseling, and scholarships to help with tuition and living expenses. The panel explains what clinical experience entails, with PCT students starting hands-on training early in varied settings, and VN and ADN students engaging in both direct patient care and advanced simulation scenarios, often involving 12-hour days.
The panel clarifies the application process for different nursing programs. For ADN and VN, a point system is used, with grades (A vs. B) impacting points, but face-to-face vs. online classes do not. Additional points can be earned by completing STC's Patient Care Program or College Success for Healthcare. PCT has no prerequisites, while BSN requires a registered nurse license and core credit hours. The HESI exam, an entrance exam covering English, math, and anatomy/physiology, is also discussed, with resources provided for preparation.
A significant challenge for students is maintaining their GPA, as financial aid limits and program admission often require a minimum GPA. The panel advises against dropping classes and emphasizes the importance of time management, effective study habits, and reading comprehension. They highlight the 'College Success for Healthcare' course as a crucial tool for developing these soft skills and familiarizing students with available resources and program pathways.
The panel shares personal anecdotes about choosing nursing specialties, emphasizing the wide range of opportunities and flexibility within the nursing profession. They encourage students to volunteer in hospitals or nursing homes to gain exposure and develop bedside manner. The discussion touches on the future of nursing, predicting growth in nursing schools and technology integration, but maintaining that human compassion and critical thinking will remain core to the profession.
The panelists share their favorite aspects of their jobs, highlighting the reward of witnessing students' journeys, seeing them succeed, and the impact they have on individuals and the community. Their final advice to students is to seek proper academic advisement early and continuously, to not give up if initial applications are unsuccessful, and to 'speak up' about concerns, emphasizing that lives depend on nurses being well-prepared and diligent.