Nursing has long been celebrated as the most trusted profession in the United States, a sentiment underscored by the American Nurses Association’s recent acknowledgement of nurses securing the top spot in Gallup’s annual poll for 23 consecutive years. This enduring trust highlights the critical role nurses play in health care and reinforces the importance of ethical leadership within the profession.
TCU’s Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of nursing leaders who embody integrity, compassion and excellence. With a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, clinical reasoning and ethical decision-making, the program prepares students to navigate the complexities of modern health care while prioritizing patient-centered care.
A Commitment to Ethical Leadership and Social Justice
On thing that sets TCU Nursing apart is its unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and social justice. The program integrates ethics and leadership development into its coursework, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle the moral and ethical challenges they will encounter in their careers.
“Nursing is a deeply rewarding profession, but it also comes with significant ethical and emotional challenges,” said Suzy Lockwood, Ph.D., associate dean for nursing and nurse anesthesia. “Our goal at TCU is to ensure that students not only receive excellent clinical training but also develop the ethical leadership skills necessary to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.”
Patient-centered care means putting patients first by listening to their needs, values and preferences while working together to make the best health care decisions. With today’s focus on personalized medicine, digital health and better patient experiences, this approach helps improve care, build trust and create better health outcomes for everyone.
The Bebout Wellness Center: Supporting Nursing Students’ Well-Being
Recognizing that nursing can be emotionally demanding, TCU established the Bebout Wellness Center, a mental health initiative specifically designed for nursing students. The center provides a safe space for students to seek counseling, stress management resources, empowerment and peer support groups.
The emphasis on well-being is part of a broader strategy to prepare students for the realities of the health care profession. The Bebout Wellness Center’s approach aligns with national conversations surrounding mental health in nursing, positioning TCU at the forefront of student-centered support.
Real-World Clinical Experiences
Hands-on experience is a cornerstone of the TCU Nursing experience. Through opportunities with esteemed institutions like the Mayo Clinic, students have gained access to externships that provide immersive, real-world training in high-acuity settings.
Nursing student Hannah Le ’25, who participated in a Mayo Clinic externship, reflected on the invaluable experience she gained.
“The externship challenged me to become a more confident and capable nurse. I was able to work alongside experienced professional and apply what I’ve learned in a high-pressure clinical setting. The knowledge and skills I gained will stay with me throughout my career.”
Read more about Hannah’s experience here.
Beyond externships, graduates of our TCU Nursing program are highly sought after by employers due to their comprehensive education, ethical grounding and leadership skills. The program’s 100% NCLEX first-time pass rate is a testament to the effectiveness of its curriculum and the dedication of its students and faculty.
Learn Emma Joy’s ’21journey from TCU to the NICU at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago here.
Continuing the Legacy of Compassionate Care
Through its comprehensive curriculum, dedicated faculty, and commitment to ethical leadership, TCU Nursing plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the trust placed in the nursing profession. By preparing students to navigate the ethical complexities of health care, TCU ensures that its graduates are skilled practitioners and ethical leaders who uphold the highest standards of the profession.
As the nursing field evolves, TCU remains dedicated to producing graduates who lead with compassion and excellence, setting the standard for ethical nursing education. The next generation of TCU nurses will not only care for patients but will advocate for them, ensuring that the profession remains the most trusted in health care for years to come.
Macy Bayer ’28 studies journalism and marketing at TCU with a minor in political science, and is from Muenster, Texas. She is a social media and marketing intern for the Office of Admission.