TAMIU College of Nursing Leads Preparation of Future Nurses

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) is leading the increase in the number of quality nursing providers locally.

Whether it’s giving working RNs the opportunity to earn their Bachelor’s degree online, providing students access to real-life medical research tools, or cultivating a culture which produced an elite group of spring semester graduates, TAMIU’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences’ graduate and undergraduate programs prepares professional nurses to improve the well-being of complex and diverse populations.

This summer, the eight graduates of the TAMIU Master of Science in Nursing degree graduates in the Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) Program earned a 100 percent pass rate on their national Certification Board Examination on their first attempt.

The first day of classes for the Fall Semester 2016 is Tuesday, Aug. 23.

TAMIU Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences’ Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing, Dr. Glenda Walker, said the coveted accomplishment catapults the Canseco School’s graduate offerings to an enviable level, and advances the profession measurably.

“The future of health care will focus on disease prevention, and chronic disease management.  These new advanced practice nurses have the knowledge and skills to advance the profession and improve access for the citizens of Laredo,” Dr. Walker said.

            “This is a significant accomplishment for our MSN-FNP program and makes us competitive with programs across the country. With continued refinement of the curriculum, this is a trend I expect to see continue going forward,” observed Dr. Gwen George, College of Nursing and Health Sciences director of Graduate Programs.   

“As Board certified nurse practitioners able to practice primary care in collaboration with physicians, these graduates will begin helping to increase the number of quality providers locally. Together, they bring much-needed healthcare services to our medically underserved community,” Walker noted.

All eight graduates are ready to contribute to the community’s advancement. 

One of the tools which help students gain access to real-life medical research tools is UpToDate, a physician-based online resource which allows access to medical research and content. The database is used by the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing students and nurse practitioners.

“UptoDate is a dynamic resource to nursing students, particularly those in the family nurse practitioner track, because it brings ‘up to date’ evidence-driven resources to the clinical setting,” Dr. George explained.

As a professional, George said she has used UpToDate in her personal clinical practice, with students at TAMIU, and in previous teaching posts.  She said UpToDate has features critical for students.

“All features are beneficial …having access to search function and evidence-based information on clinical presentation, patho-diagnosis, and treatment is especially important,” she noted.

UpToDate provides access to more than 10,000 topics in over 22 specialties, making it a most useful tool. Perhaps among its most outstanding and relevant features for students is its accessibility through mobile devices, often preferred by busy students.

UpToDate is available to students through the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library webpage.

The Canseco School offers a Master of Science in Nursing Administration (MSN-ADM) focused on the critical role of Nursing in Health Care Management, in addition to the MSN-FNP. To explore TAMIU’s graduate nursing programs, please contact director of Graduate Programs, Dr. George at 956.326.3114 or email gwendolyn.george@tamiu.edu. 

Undergraduate programs in Nursing include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, considered the nursing profession’s educational minimum, and an RN to BSN Online Transition program, which enables working RN nurses to complete their BSN completely online. For more information on undergraduate programs, contact undergraduate admissions counselor Anna Buentello at 956.326.3110 or email nursing@tamiu.edu.

Additional information on the College of Nursing and Health Sciences is available online at http://www.tamiu.edu/cson/index.shtml.  Follow the Canseco School of Nursing at https://www.facebook.com/txamiu.nursing/

Please visit www.tamiu.edu/registrar/registration for assigned registration dates, email registrar@tamiu.edu, call the Office of the Registrar at 956.326.2250 or visit offices in the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, Suite 121.

Additional TAMIU information is also available at tamiu.edu and on social media sites on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.