While many of us try to juggle school, work, and what to watch next on Netflix (can we get another Tiger King season?!) our medical heroes are battling COVID-19 head-on. UT Permian Basin nursing students are no different. The College of Nursing has teamed up with Ector County to try to stop the spread of Coronavirus in our community.
“Nursing students will be assisting the Health Department making phone calls to investigate the human contacts of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. Students will train with members of the Health Department along with College of Nursing professors, Dr. Minerva Gonzales and Dr. Diana Ruiz,” said Donna Beuk, Dean of the UTPB College of Nursing.
Beuk said after a call for help from the county, the College of Nursing volunteered to assist along with their students who will soon be entering the work force. There are 22 fourth semester students who will be trained first and then 17 third semester students will follow suit.
“As the Dean, I am extremely proud that our students and faculty are both willing and excited to provide their assistance during this community crisis. We believe serving the citizens of the Permian Basin is a privilege and part of our calling as nurses and future nurses.”
Beuk went on to say this is what they train for in the UTPB College of Nursing: answering the call of service. The students are ready to do what they can to help our community stay healthy and Beuk credits her teaching team for the success of this program.
“I am so honored to work alongside Dr. Gonzales and Dr. Ruiz on this critical project for our community. These two leaders in the College of Nursing are dedicated to the health and welfare of our community."