I originally applied to TCU as a biology major on the pre-med track, but I very quickly realized that was not the right path for me. It just wasn't the perfect fit. This realization, though, forced me to make the best decision of my college career; changing my major to nursing.
This transition between majors meant changing my initial plans. This included taking a summer class and some challenging coursework during sophomore year to catch up. However, as I approach the end of my second semester of nursing school (and my junior year!), I can truly say the work was so worth it.
In the last two semesters, I have had such incredible experiences and learning opportunities.
In the classroom, TCU nursing has the best professors. Many professors are still working
nurses, which means they are up to date on all the changing aspects of the nursing
profession. They also care so deeply about their students on campus. One professor
whom I have loved is Professor Ryan. She teaches my Foundations of Nursing Care: Lab, Foundations of Nursing Care: Concepts, and Professional Role II: Member of the Healthcare Team classes. Each week in her Foundations: Concepts class, we do stress relief activities
to help us through the ups and downs of college. She is also always available to students
via email and during office hours. While she has been one of my favorites, there has
truly not been a nursing professor who I haven’t loved.
The classes at TCU are excellent, but the best part of being a nursing major is the
clinical experience we gain. Our prime location in Fort Worth means we have a medical
district just ten minutes away from campus with seemingly endless hospitals to work
at. During these clinicals, I have been able to help real patients, learn from several
active nurses, and apply the skills I learned in class to the hospital.
My first clinical had the best clinical instructor, Dot Dawes, a current ICU nurse in Fort Worth, who taught our clinical group of eight students additional practical skills that can only be learned outside the classroom. The Foundations of Nursing Care: Clinical has made me so excited for next semester and to learn from and work with more nurses and fellow students.
My first clinical had the best clinical instructor, Dot Dawes, a current ICU nurse in Fort Worth, who taught our clinical group of eight students additional practical skills that can only be learned outside the classroom. The Foundations of Nursing Care: Clinical has made me so excited for next semester and to learn from and work with more nurses and fellow students.
Being a nursing major at TCU is far from easy, but my friends, clinical groups, and
professors never fail to make it just a little easier. I absolutely love my major
and wouldn’t trade my experience for the world! If you're interested in nursing, I
recommend learning more about TCU's program and pursuing your nursing major here in Fort Worth. Go Frogs!
Hannah Scanlon is a junior nursing major from Orland Park, Illinois. She is a proud TCU Ambassador for the Office of Admission, loves exploring Fort Worth via running (any other Cowtown finishers?), and is obsessed with cowgirl boots. Her favorite time of year is TCU football season because nothing is better than a good Riff Ram.