AFTER two years of studying at home, nursing students of the Tarlac State University returned to school this week.

The university allowed in-person laboratory classes and demonstration sessions but limited each class to only 14 students.

Students were advised to observe health protocols and stay in their designated rooms for their protection.

“Itong face-to-face classes ay kailangan ninyo lalo na sa mga demonstrations ninyo dahil alam namin na dapat prepared at ready kayo bago sumabak sa trabaho,” TSU President Dr. Myrna Mallari said. “At kapag nasa hospital na, kailangan kumpleto at buo lahat ng skills na matututunan ninyo.”

Jessette Perez, a full-time clinical instructor, said that this is the first time students will perform procedures on mannequins because they could practice with stuffed toys without the proper laboratory equipment and medical tools during the flexible learning.

“Ang challenging part doon ay you cannot build rapport and trust with your students because virtual – walang proper communication. Unlike kapag face-to-face, you see your students and you can teach them properly and correctly,” she said.

The school will also conduct physical midterm examinations this month for nursing students.

It added that laboratory classes for the College of Engineering and Technology will reopen soon.

The TSU School of Law started holding limited F2F classes last week.