TAMIU Nursing Outreach Featured in NurseWeek Magazine Edition

A national nursing magazine has featured a community outreach program by  Texas A&M International University’s Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing.

NurseWeek, a monthly publication, features the Canseco School of Nursing in its September edition article entitled  “Opening Doors:  Nursing Schools Reach Out to Hispanic Students.”

The article notes the Canseco School’s summer camp program for Laredo-area high school students that exposes them to the University, the School of Nursing and the nursing profession.

Natalie Burkhalter, School of Nursing associate professor, said that she and assistant professor Carmen Bruni designed the summer program to help students realize what the profession offers and the support systems in place at the University to help them secure brighter futures in nursing.

“Throughout the program, students visit hospitals, the health department and school nurses.  They learn CPR and first aid and the proper use of personal protective equipment.  They even get to go into an operating room and watch an operation,” she notes.

“Of equal importance is that while here they also get to meet with representatives of our student housing, financial aid, counseling, health services, career services and other University support teams…all designed to let them know that we’re here to support them on their educational journey,”  Burkhalter added.

School of Nursing Director Dr. Susan Walker said that 33 students participated in the summer program, during its three years of operation, funded by the Bureau of Health Professions of the Health Resources and Services Administration.

She said the program has strong potential to nurture much-needed future nurses.

“This is really an effort which shows a deep personal commitment on the part of the faculty of the School of Nursing to nurture those who will take our places in this profession in the future,” Walker said.

For more information, contact the Canseco School of Nursing at 326.2450, e-mail swalker@tamiu.edu or visit offices in Dr. F. M. Canseco Hall, room 315.

An online version of the NurseWeek article can be located at
http://www2.nurseweek.com/Articles/article.cfm?AID=23437

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