BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS –DECEMBER 4, 2012 – When Delia Jasso began her first class in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing’s online program at The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College in the spring of 2012, she gained a vision of a better, healthier future — for her family, for her patients and for herself.

Jasso, 39 and a registered nurse, took classes online from her home in Donna, Texas. On Saturday, Dec. 15, she will receive her bachelor of science in nursing degree at Winter Commencement graduating with a 4.0 GPA.

“In a lot of places, they won’t hire you if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree,” said Jasso. “This program has given me the skills to be an effective leader in any future nursing position I apply for. I believe my quality of life has drastically improved not only for me but for my family and patients as well.”

The RN-BSN online program provides registered nurses the opportunity to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing by taking courses online. The deadline to apply for the program for the spring 2013 semester is Sunday, Dec. 9.

“Being in the program taught me a lot about my potential for leadership as a nurse,” Jasso said. “It’s taught me how to be an informal as well as a formal leader in my working environment, and with the way that everything’s changing in the healthcare field, this is the moment when nurses can get the chance to shine more than ever.”

Prior to enrolling in the RN-BSN program, Jasso worked as a surgical technician under Leonard Tesoro, M.D., at his otolaryngology clinic in McAllen for 14 years. During that period, her employer saw her potential as a healthcare professional and consistently urged her to continue her education.

“Dr. Tesoro pushed me to go back to school; he gave me many opportunities to go back to school and keep my job,” said Jasso. “I’ve always been the sort of person to help those in medical need, and working with him as a surgical tech made me realize I could do much more as a nurse.”

 When Tesoro passed away in 2008, Jasso said he left behind a note urging her to continue her education, to go beyond a career as a surgical technician.

“It really hit me in my heart,” said Jasso. “When he passed away, the clinic closed down, and I was without a job after 14 years; his note told me I could go far with a good education, and I knew I needed to take advantage of that opportunity and become a nurse.”

Jasso received her certification as a nurse in 2010, and after working for a year she decided to enroll at UTB. The courses she has taken in the RN-BSN program, she said, have made her more competent and aware of patients’ needs in this day and age.

“We go into the nursing profession because we’re caring individuals,” Jasso said. “We need to take care of our population and promote help. Before the BSN program, I never thought about what my community needs, but now I’ve realized the ways I can help these vulnerable areas with little innovations such as teaching in our communities. As a result of what I’ve learned here, I can now positively contribute to my patients’ lives.”

Jasso wants to set an example for her six siblings that a good education is absolutely vital for a better quality of life.

“I come from a very poor, migrant family,” said Jasso. “I had to work in the fields since I was 11. When I turned 18, I promised myself I would never go back there; I would never give up. I’m pushing my brothers and sisters so hard to educate themselves. You have to get off your feet, educate yourself and improve your life. That’s what I’m doing.”

Jasso plans to continue her education after she graduates because she said she feels that nurses have a responsibility to be as well educated as possible, especially in the wake of the recent healthcare reform and changes in the medical field.

“As a nurse, you have more responsibilities and accountability with patients than ever,” said Jasso. “We are able to educate them and do intervention; we do implementing, evaluating and diagnosing. As [a registered nurse], we have the license to help patients in ways I never could as a surgical tech.”

Her ultimate goal is to become a family clinic practitioner. Jasso plans to apply to the Master of Science in Nursing program.

“I encourage other nurses to go back to college. The professors are concerned; they will go out of their way to help you ” said Jasso. “I think that’s why I’ve grown as a person because they have always guided me the right way. I’ve taken their feedback toward my own good, and I’m a better person and nurse.”

For more information about the RN-BSN online program, contact Lourdes Requena at 956-882-5070 to schedule an appointment.

For more information about the Master of Science in Nursing program, contact Eloisa G. Tamez, RN, Ph.D., FAAN Program Director at 956-882-4079 or Eloisa.tamez@utb.edu.