Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing

“First times the charm, needle I say more????” Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center nursing student Colby shares his excitement after his first IV.

“After 10 years of getting my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, I finally found my niche and decided to go back to school. In January 2025, I started graduate school for my Master’s of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. And through magical circumstances and an incredible story in and of itself that gives me chills up to this day, I ended up choosing THE SAME school 10 years later! I’m proud to be a Red Raider through and through! ????” Congratulations Melanie and welcome back!

“Freshly 21 and freshly EMPLOYED!!! So blessed to announce that I have accepted a job at University Medical Center in Lubbock in their Adult Critical Care ICU internship!” Skyler, a Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing graduate is excited to begin the next chapter in her nursing career. Congratulations Skyler!

“Considering moving to Abilene Tx in 2008 as a refugee, things were not always easy. I have been blessed through the journey and will be the first to graduate in my family. I also received a job offering at Hendrick Medical Center on the IMCU floor and I’m thrilled! Yay, to being the first generation to graduate and the first in my family ever! Thank you #TTUHSC for giving me the opportunity!” We are proud to watch the journey of our students, from enrollment to employment. Congratulations on the next chapter Esperance!

“85 questions later and I get to add two more letters to my name... Ameri Ochoa, BSN, RN. ???” Ameri, a traditional BSN student on our Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at Abilene campus, has completed her NCLEX examination. The National Council Licensure Examination is taken after graduation and is required for licensing as a registered nurse in the United States.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Interprofessional Education is learning beyond disciplines. It is advancing health care through its integration of health care delivery systems that improve patient safety and well-being. Through team focused learning experiences, simulation of care-based scenarios, and collaboration for improved patient outcomes, students, faculty and preceptors, are working together and learning from one another. Follow to learn more about the collaborative work Interprofessional Education does at #TTUHSC.

“OFFICIALLY A REGISTERED NURSE?? 86 questions later!! Finally Ashten Rose, BSN, RN!!” Ashten, like many recent Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at #Abilene School of Nursing graduates, took and passed her #NCLEX exam (National Council Licensure Examination) after graduation! It’s required for licensing as a registered nurse in the United States and is another important milestone in students’ nursing education and careers.

University leadership recently presented the 2025 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Distinguished Faculty Awards! The title of “distinguished faculty” is granted each year to faculty members who have clearly exhibited outstanding achievement in teaching, research and service. We are proud to share those honorees included #TTUHSC School of Nursing professor Donna Owen, Ph.D., R.N. Recipients hold this honor throughout the remainder of their active service.

“First day of clinicals at MCH in Odessa for my last semester @ttuhsc and I got my first IV! Proud moment for this senior!” T’lah is excited to be in her final semester as a Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center #Odessa nursing student. The first IV or blood draw is a milestone that many nursing students look forward to before graduation.

Katherine Taylor Pearson, DNP, RN-BC, assistant professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing Graduate Informatics Program, has been selected as the President-elect of the American Nursing Informatics Association(ANIA) and will serve as president for the 2026-2027 term. She has been an active member of the ANIA Board of Directors since 2022, previously serving as regional director and treasurer before stepping into her current role as president-elect. With over 30 years of experience in nursing and informatics, Dr. Taylor Pearson brings a wealth of leadership and expertise to ANIA, continuing to drive the advancement of nursing informatics through education, research, and practice.