TAMIU Graduate Nursing Students Present at International Nursing Leadership Conference
Research on predictors of college nursing students’ success conducted by three Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) graduate Nursing students earned them an opportunity to present at a prestigious international nursing leadership conference recently.
Maria Cristina Vinegar, Chantilly Demasiado and Ana Laura Cantú, all pursuing the Family Nurse Practitioner track under the Master of Science in Nursing degree program at the TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Sciences, presented at the Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Leadership Connection Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Their research, “Predictors of Student Success among Mexican-American and Non-Hispanic Baccalaureate Nursing Students,” examined whether student success can be predicted by entrance GPA, financial aid and a student’s perception of faculty caring.
The study was a secondary data analysis from data previously collected at seven universities across Texas by Dr. Marivic Torregosa, TAMIU assistant professor of Nursing and program coordinator of the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Presented at a Conference attended by more than 460 participants, the research concluded that student academic success was significantly predicted by entrance GPA, financial aid and perception of faculty caring. The study also noted that entrance GPA is a good indicator of students’ past academic achievement and their likelihood to be successful in a nursing major.
In addition, the research showed that students who have a positive and caring relationship with nursing faculty are more likely to reach academic success in a Nursing major. Experiences of financial struggles negatively affect student success, the study observed. The authors recommend additional or supplemental financial assistance to financial aid recipients.
While at the Conference, students experienced peer review by scholars and leaders in the field of nursing and were able to get a glimpse into both the business and academic side of the profession.
Dr. Glenda Walker, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences’ Dr. F.M. Canseco School of Nursing, said that Canseco School graduate students have presented successfully at the STTI Conference for the past three years.
“Few nursing programs in the nation have been able to present their research consistently on an international stage,” Dr. Walker said, “The TAMIU students who presented in Indiana were complimented by the CEO of STTI for their professionalism, presentation and knowledge in nursing research. This is an achievement which reflects the quality and dedication offered by the faculty in our nursing program.”
Dr. Torregosa said family nurse practitioners are catalysts for change in the current health care system.
“Taking part in this scholarly forum is a great opportunity for our students to disseminate research findings that could inform policies that may impact current nursing education practices and the healthcare system,” she said.
Torregosa said study authors appreciate the assistance provided to them by he Office of Graduate Studies and Research under Dr. Jennifer Coronado and the Center for Earth and Environmental Studies (CEES) under Dr. Ken Tobin.
The research abstract will be available on the Virginia Henderson Global Nursing e-Repository and will be published as part of the e-book of Conference proceedings.
Vinegar, one of the students, said the Conference allowed her an opportunity to interact with many nurse leaders from around the world.
“It is now clear to me that as an advanced practice nurse, I have an obligation and a shared responsibility to the continuation and further development of quality care,” she said.
Demasiado, another student, said there is nothing like being in a room filled with brilliant minds and exceptional leaders from various fields.
“Attending the STTI conference brought me out from my comfort zone and gave me an opportunity to build relationships with inspirational leaders in healthcare education and research, she said, “The conference not only sharpened my knowledge base on research, but also provided me with the most recent evidence-based studies and technological innovations, which is vital for my preparation as a future nurse practitioner.”
Cantú, the third student, said that as a family nurse practitioner, her goal is to provide the best quality of care to her community.
“Being able to present this research project at a prestigious conference such as the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing helped me gain confidence, knowledge, and the leadership skills I need to provide care for my community,” she said, “It was such an honor to represent TAMIU and Laredo.”
For more information about the research or graduate programs at the Canseco School of Nursing, please contact Torregosa at 326.2456, email mtorregosa@tamiu or visit offices located in Dr. F.M. Canseco Hall, room 312 E. Graduate program information is available online at http://www.tamiu.edu/cson/msnprograms.shtml
University office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.