The Texas Board of Nursing convened on April 19, 2024, to discuss various agenda items, with a significant focus on board development and bioethical awareness among nurses. The meeting resumed after an executive session, leading to a presentation by board member Carol Hawkins Garcia, who shared her experiences from her studies at Harvard Medical School.

Garcia began her presentation by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak and highlighted her journey into bioethics, which was inspired by her service on the board. She emphasized the importance of ethics in nursing practice, noting that every patient encounter often involves ethical dilemmas. Her pursuit of a degree in bioethics began in 2020, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During her time at Harvard, Garcia noted that she was one of the few nurses in a class predominantly composed of surgeons and attorneys. She described the unique perspective nurses bring to ethical discussions, given their close relationships with patients. Garcia's capstone project was mentored by Christine Mitchell, the executive director of the bioethics center at Harvard, who will retire soon.

Garcia detailed her transformative experience at Harvard, which included engaging with international students and learning about healthcare practices worldwide. She participated in clinical ethics consultations and gained insights into the Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval process, which was a new experience for her.

The meeting underscored the board's commitment to enhancing ethical standards in nursing practice, with Garcia's presentation serving as a pivotal moment in promoting bioethical awareness. The discussions highlighted the need for ongoing education and training in ethics for nursing professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate complex patient care scenarios.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the importance of integrating bioethics into nursing education and practice, setting the stage for future initiatives aimed at fostering ethical awareness within the profession.