The Texas Board of Nursing convened on April 18, 2024, to discuss critical updates regarding nursing program admissions and faculty staffing challenges. The meeting highlighted the ongoing commitment to student support and the strategic partnerships established to enhance educational outcomes.

The session began with a report on the admission status of 19 nursing students who have been deferred to the fall of 2024. The executive dean explained that this decision was made due to resource constraints and faculty turnover. Despite the deferral, the university remains committed to these students, who have already enrolled in classes.

A significant focus of the meeting was the collaboration with external third-party vendors specializing in board exam preparation. These vendors provide dedicated support to students, helping them navigate the complexities of the next-generation exams. The partnership is set for a duration of three to five years, ensuring ongoing access to resources for each student cohort until they complete their board exams.

The board also addressed faculty vacancies within the nursing program. Currently, there are eight vacancies among the 14 full-time faculty members, with seven of those being newly hired. The provost expressed concerns about the hiring difficulties faced by the program, noting that the search for a permanent dean has been challenging. This situation raises fears about maintaining momentum in improving student pass rates and the potential loss of newly recruited faculty.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the Texas Board of Nursing's dedication to supporting nursing students through strategic partnerships and addressing staffing challenges. The board will continue to monitor the situation closely as they work towards enhancing the educational experience for future cohorts.