ACCD News & Events

SAC Nursing Education Program Helps Students Advance their Careers

For Immediate Release
September 7, 2005
Contact: Deborah Martin, San Antoino College, Public Relations
(210) 733-2149
dmartin@accd.edu
or
Dr. Lu Pelayo, Dean of Dean of Professional and Technical Education

With funding from the federal Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) and local hospital employers, the Registered Nursing (RN) program at San Antonio College (SAC) is enabling former Phillip's/Sony Semiconductor employees and other allied health workers to improve their employment and earning capacities.

In May 2004, a cohort of 17 students enrolled in the RN program at SAC. Though they entered as a cohort, each student was pre-screened and had to meet admission requirements.

Four students were former employees of Phillip's/Sony Semiconductor companies, who entered with support from TAA ­ a federal program that assists individuals who have become unemployed as a result of increased imports from, or shifts in production to, foreign countries. TAA's goal is to help trade-affected workers return to suitable employment as quickly as possible, thus these students¹ tuition, books, supplies and uniforms were paid, and they continued to receive unemployment checks for two years. The funding partnership resulted from the Alamo Community College District¹s workforce development program.

Thirteen students enrolled through the Medical Consortium, a workplace group fashioned in early 2004 by SAC in response to industry needs. Consortium members include SAC, University Hospital, SW General Hospital and Methodist Healthcare System, who offer education opportunities to hospital employees, and pay for tuition, books, supplies and uniforms. As a result, employees may advance their careers, and hospitals can better retain employees.

Of the 17 students who started, one former Sony employee dropped early in the program, but the remaining 16 are on track to successful completion ­ indicating a 94% success rate. Half of them, who attended classes during Fall, Spring and Summer semesters, graduated in late August 2005. Remaining students will finish in December 2005.

Upon graduation, they are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which must be passed in order to become a certified RN.

"Delivering instruction in a learning community style seems to be effective - we are excited about the almost unprecedented success of these nursing students," said Dr. Lu Pelayo, San Antonio College Dean of Professional and Technical Education. At the beginning of this unique endeavor, she was Chairperson of the Nursing Education Department at SAC and helped form the Medical Consortium.

Dr. Pelayo went on to say that many doors will open for these students once they become registered nurses ­ whether it be in a hospital, a clinical setting, public health, private practice or education. She explained that Associate Degree Registered Nurses are technically trained, work directly under the physician and supervise Licensed Vocational Nurses and other health care personnel. Additionally, RNs may continue their education to earn bachelor¹s and master's degrees in nursing, and go on to become Nurse Practitioners who are licensed to prescribe medication and can work independently.

One example of a student who wants to further her education and take her nursing career to the next level is Teresa Rudd. A U.S. Air Force Medical Technician for almost eight years, Rudd has worked at University Hospital for four and a half years ­ the first year on a special surgery unit, and three and a half years as a Medical Surgery Technician in Pediatrics.

"I applied to the Nursing program at SAC, but was put on a waiting list due to high enrollments," Rudd said. "Then I learned from my supervisor that HR at University Hospital was offering the chance to get into the program, so I applied and was accepted!"

"It was a grueling experience and took lots of work, but I stuck with it. I had really good support from the teachers and the other students. Now I¹m ready to take the NCLEX-RN exam."

Showing perseverance and attention to school, in addition to working full-time at the hospital and completing the program in three semesters, Rudd graduated as part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and made the National Dean's List. The accomplishment is in line with her five-year plan: once she passes the national exam, she wants to work as an RN in the Intensive Care Unit or Emergency Room at University Hospital, enroll in the University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio to earn a master's degree in nursing, and eventually work on an air medical transport service such as AirLife or Life Flight.

For more information about the Nursing Education program at San Antonio College, contact Judy Staley, Chairperson of the Nursing Department at (210) 733-2365.