The Texas Board of Nursing convened on April 18, 2024, to discuss critical issues surrounding the nursing program at South Plains College, particularly its recent struggles with NCLEX pass rates. The meeting highlighted the significant improvements made under the leadership of Dr. Straughn, who took over the program in May 2022.

During the meeting, it was reported that the college faced a challenging transition during the COVID-19 pandemic, which negatively impacted pass rates, dropping to 50.65% in 2022. However, recent cohorts have shown remarkable recovery, with a 93.87% pass rate in May 2023 and a perfect 100% pass rate in December 2023. This turnaround was attributed to various curriculum changes and enhanced support systems for students, including stricter admission criteria and additional coursework in pharmacology and medical-surgical nursing.

Despite these improvements, the college encountered significant obstacles in December 2023 when 11 students were unable to secure testing appointments for the NCLEX due to a lack of available sites within a 500-mile radius. This situation raised concerns about the potential for the program to be placed on conditional status, which would hinder its ability to admit new students. Dr. Straughn and college administration urged the board to consider the unique circumstances surrounding the testing availability and the program's recent successes.

The board members expressed appreciation for the efforts made by Dr. Straughn and her team but also emphasized the importance of adhering to established rules regarding pass rates. Discussions included the need to balance the enforcement of these rules with the recognition of exceptional circumstances that may warrant flexibility.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by nursing programs, particularly in rural areas, and the importance of maintaining a steady pipeline of qualified nurses to meet community healthcare needs. The board's decision on whether to place South Plains College on conditional status will have significant implications for the program's future and its ability to continue producing qualified nursing graduates.