The Texas Board of Nursing convened on April 18, 2024, to discuss significant developments in nursing education, including a proposal from Saint Edward's University in Austin to establish a new baccalaureate degree nursing program. The meeting began with acknowledgments of the contributions of case managers in the nursing field, highlighting the importance of their work across Texas.

The primary agenda item focused on the proposal from Saint Edward's University, presented by Doctor Hooper. The board is tasked with ensuring that nursing education programs meet state standards, and this hearing allowed for public testimony regarding the proposal. Doctor Hooper outlined the university's plan to offer both a traditional and an accelerated nursing track, aiming to enroll 40 students in the traditional program and 35 in the accelerated program starting in fall 2024.

Doctor Donna Buke, the proposed director of the nursing program, emphasized the university's commitment to addressing health disparities and diversifying the nursing workforce. The program aims to provide a comprehensive education that includes significant clinical experience, with plans for 810 hours of clinical training over the course of the program. The university has already secured contracts with multiple clinical settings to facilitate this training.

The proposal received positive feedback from board members, who noted the strong interest in the program, evidenced by 753 applicants. The board also acknowledged the university's commitment to serving vulnerable communities, as highlighted by the presence of university leadership, including President Monce Fuentes and Provost Marianne Ward Peradosa, who reiterated the institution's dedication to developing a compassionate and diverse nursing workforce.

As the meeting progressed, board members expressed their support for the proposal, recognizing its potential to enhance nursing education in Texas. The discussions concluded with an invitation for further questions from board members, indicating a collaborative approach to refining the proposal before a final decision is made.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Texas Board of Nursing's ongoing efforts to improve nursing education and address workforce needs in the healthcare sector, with Saint Edward's University poised to play a significant role in these developments.