UPDATES FROM NURSING Out in the Community • The nursing program attended NSU’s High School Career Fair to introduce hundreds of area high school students to the field of nursing. • The nursing department strengthened its community presence through presentations at regional high schools. Dr. Monson engaged with students about nursing careers and various healthcare pathways, providing insights into the profession’s opportunities and educational requirements. These sessions helped build connections with local schools while inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals. • Dr. Lyncee Monson presented information about our nursing program at Chamber Connections, a weekly community forum held at the K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library. • Nursing faculty and staff enhanced student and community connections through participation in NSU tailgating events, fostering relationships beyond the classroom while supporting Wolves athletics. Important Milestones this year: 1. November 2024- granted interim approval by the SD Board of Nursing 2. November 2024- Hosted Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditors for a visit seeking approval for the new nursing program. The HLC site visitors recommended full approval. In their draft report, the evaluators particularly commended the nursing department’s comprehensive preparation, the university’s robust infrastructure for program implementation, and the substantial community support for this initiative. In February 2025, the HLC board met, and full approval was granted. Simulation/Lab • Sourcing and ordering state-of-the-art patient simulators from both Gaumard and Laerdal. Both companies specialize in simulator technology unique to them that includes advanced clinical features, lifelike functions including facial expressions like fear, worry and happiness and the ability to physiologically react to scenarios as they unfold based on student actions. • Working with the IT department to integrate audio visual equipment for operating and recording simulation activities. This allows students the ability to watch themselves participate in simulation scenarios in real time and garner insights on learner’s performance during post simulation debriefing. • Sourcing and ordering realistic task trainers and real-life equipment and supplies found in the clinical setting to allow students the ability to practice and master essential skills such as IV insertion, medication administration, communication skills and much more. • Currently piloting VR software which will allow our students to completely immerse themselves in real life scenarios they may not typically see in a clinical setting or are unsafe to practice on real patients. • Identifying and procuring relationships and contracts with healthcare agencies, both locally and throughout the region, for students to complete their hands on clinical training hours in various specialties. • Researching licensing requirements for all 50 states to make sure our students will be able to obtain licensure after graduation. • Amy Johnson became a certified CPR instructor so our students will be able to become certified, as required by law, right here on campus.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzkyNTY=