TAMIU Nursing Students Eye Nursing History

This Fall, Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) student nurses hope to bring light to the little-documented contribution, history and scope of Hispanic nurses in South Texas.

Dr. Glenda Walker, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences’ Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing, said the new research project is ambitious, but long overdue.

“Our students and graduates stand on the shoulders and follow the footsteps of some amazing nurses in South Texas.  Our hope is to gather their oral histories and begin a review of literature to help initiate a living history of Hispanic nurses in South Texas,” Dr. Walker explained.

“As we began this project, we assumed that there would be multiple existing sources, but have found that our effort will be primary research into this area, which has further strengthened our commitment,” Walker continued.

Walker is asking South Texas Hispanic nurses who contributed their skills to military service or war efforts, public health nurses, hospital and emergency services nurses or clinicians and nursing educators/researchers who paved the way for today’s nursing students and professionals to become a part of the project.  The study is pending the University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.

 “We know that many of these nurses are still vibrant and we want very much to document their history for our project.  Our students will visit with the nurses and explore their history with them in person or otherwise.  We are eager to begin,” she said.

Nurses who are interested in participating in the project are asked to contact Dr. Walker at 956.326.2450, email:  glenda.walker@tamiu.edu or visit offices in Dr. F. M. Canseco Hall, room 304.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu