Nursing faculty and students help out with COVID-19 vaccination clinics

Inside TXST

Julie Cooper | January 28, 2021

The nursing faculty and students with St. David’s School of Nursing at Texas State University-Round Rock participated in two COVID-19 vaccination clinics in January in Austin. More than 1,200 vaccines were distributed during the clinics to St. David’s HealthCare volunteers, staff, and health professions students from area colleges and universities.

Other students participating in the clinics represented Austin Community College, Texas A&M University, Concordia University, South University, and Texas Tech University. 

Eileen Kirrane, vice president of clinical education at St. David's HealthCare, called the clinic “a great collaborative effort between St. David’s HealthCare and the schools.” She said that even with a tight turn around to get volunteers lined up for the distribution, academic partners came through. The second round of vaccines have already been scheduled.

“We want the students to be as protected as they can be. It is important that the students were able to get the vaccine," said Kirrane. "Both nurses and non-nurses — including radiology and respiratory therapy students – received the vaccine.”  

The clinics were open for university health profession staff and students who are doing the clinical portion of their education or preparing to, Kirrane said. About 25 Texas State students and faculty helped operate the clinic over both days, with faculty and a few students giving the vaccine and students serving as greeters and in the observation rooms.

Dr. Marla Erbin-Roesemann, director and professor at St. David’s School of Nursing, said that Texas State students have also volunteered with Baylor Scott & White Health in its drive-up vaccine clinics with plans to participate in more as scheduled. Texas State faculty have also responded to last minute calls in the community to give vaccines to First Responders.

“We are extremely grateful for the partnership. Our staff are focused on providing patient care – so to have faculty and students available to help us in the clinics is wonderful. It is so important for this initiative to move quickly and help get the vaccinations to as many as we can,” Kirrane said.