SAN MARCOS — Deborah Chow steps in to lead Palomar College’s nursing program as the college continues to prepare students for careers in a high-demand field.
As Palomar’s new associate dean of nursing education and nursing director, Chow said she wants to help students move more smoothly from the college’s associate degree nursing program into transfer opportunities, future education and the nursing workforce.
Chow previously worked at Grossmont College for three years and was the Associate Dean of Nursing before coming to Palomar late last year. Before Grossmont College, Chow was the Dean of Nursing at Brightwood College.
Though Brightwood College had shut down only a year after Chow started working there, she was able to help and ensure students were still able to graduate, and have a license pass rate of 93%.
After working at various colleges, Chow said she chose to come to Palomar to give back to the community she lives in.
“I want to give back to my community. I want to help my community members grow excellent nurses, and I want to make it streamlined for our high school students that are interested in the health care field,” Chow said.
As the first Dean of Nursing and Nursing Director, Chow encourages the nursing students to continue their education, even after they finish the program here. She also hopes to help the students who finish their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to be more competitive job candidates.
The nursing program offers a two-year nursing program for students to then transfer to a four-year university and be able to work in the field. The RN program offers hands-on experience for the students to practice clinical skills, and offers a variety of lectures and labs.
Students within the program feel that connections are easily built and they often assist each other with program material. They feel as if they have different support systems such as tutoring services, mentorships, and clubs.
These communities have been helpful to students like Stephanie Vera, who joined the nursing program this semester. Vera feels that the community of students helps to uplift each other.
“The people you meet really do add a lot to the experience. I’m lucky to be in a cohort that’s very supportive … I would say there’s no competition. We’re very much motivation for each other. I think that’s my favorite thing,” Vera said. “It’s really nice when you have a community of people who understand exactly what you’re going through.”
Professors play a large role in the nursing program by helping mentor students and support them academically.
Commander Andre Allen has been a nurse since 1995 and a Palomar professor since 2008. He said that every nursing students brings their own skills and background to the community.
“I believe personally that every nursing student has something unique to contribute. They’re going to be able to touch and reach a patient in ways that I never could. Or bring a uniqueness, and that’s going to expand nursing,” Allen said.
With an average passing rate of 90% from previous years, Palomar has been able to uphold a status of high passing rates for NCLEX exams. According to Dr. Chow, the nursing program is on track to have a passing rate of 96%.
If students decide to transfer to earn their bachelor’s of science (BSN), the nursing program works with other colleges such as Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego State University, Cal State San Marcos.
For more information, students can visit the nursing program website or contact the academic department assistant at 760-744-1150 ext. 2580 or email the office at [email protected]