Nursing Department

Dr. Haifa Samra, Interim Chair
1400 W. 22nd Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Tel: (605) 357-1553
Fax: (605) 357-1528
nursing@usd.edu
www.usd.edu/nursing

Dr. Haifa Samra, Associate Chair of Research
Sanford Education Center
1525 South Euclid
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
TEL: 605-357-1570

Vermillion

Dr. Kathy Magorian, Academic Director
414 East Clark Street
Julian Hall 209
Vermillion, SD 57069
TEL: 605-677-5251
FAX: 605-677-5886

Pierre

Dr. Lisa Feller, Academic Director
Capital University Center
925 East Sioux Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
TEL: 605-773-6725
FAX: 605-773-6771

Rapid City

Dr. Lisa Feller, Academic Director
Health Sciences Building
1011 11th Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
TEL: 605-394-5396
FAX: 605-394-5473

Sioux Falls

Dr. Kathy Magorian, Academic Director
Sanford Education Center
1525 South Euclid
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
TEL: 605-782-3213
FAX: 605-782-3219

Watertown

Dr. Kimberly Nerud, Academic Director
PO Box 730
1201 Arrow Avenue
Watertown, SD 57201-0730
TEL: 605-882-5284, ext. 282
FAX: 605-882-6299

RN-BSN

Dr. Kimberly Nerud, Academic Director
1400 West 22nd Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
TEL: 605 357-1553
FAX: 605-357-1548

FACULTY

Associate Professor:

Dr. Lisa Feller - Pierre
Dr. Haifa Samra - Interim Chair, Research

Assistant Professor:

Dr. Kathy Magorian - Vermillion/Sioux Falls
Dr. Sabina Kupershmidt - Research & IPE
Dr. Jo Ann Kim - Vermillion
Dr. Kimberly Nerud - RN-BSN
Dr. Jean Yockey - Vermillion

Lecturer:

Dr. Karen Pawelek-RN-BSN

Instructors:

Tracy Barnable - Sioux Falls
Barbara Buss - Vermillion
Annie Donaway - Sioux Falls
Carol Dreke - Sioux Falls
Doreen Endres - Watertown
Cheryl Fischbach - Watertown
Lisa Gibbon - Rapid City
Helene Hegge - Vermillion
Allison Heitmann - Sioux Falls
Amy Hunsley-McTighe - Pierre
Nicole Johnson - Rapid City
Dr. Tamela Kisner - Rapid City
Anne Kleinhesselink - RN-BSN
Lori Koenecke - Pierre
Erica Larson - Sioux Falls
Michelle Lichtenberg - Vermillion
Tony Long - Rapid City
Michelle Knuppe - Sioux Falls
Annette Ray - Pierre
Heidi Schmidt - Watertown
Dr. Amy Smith - RN-BSN
Emily Smith - Sioux Falls/Vermillion
Barb Stolle - Vermillion
Dr. Julie Symes - Rapid City
Christine Tesch - Sioux Falls
Dr. Dawn Warren - Rapid City
Connie Windeshausen - Vermillion

Advisors:

Michele Seaton-Bertsch - Watertown
Barbara Corio - Vermillion
Lori Koenecke - Pierre
Emily Smith - Sioux Falls
Anne Kleinhesselink - RN-BSN
Tony Long - Rapid City

MAJOR:

Nursing, A.S. (LPN-RN)

The LPN to RN is an Associate Degree track offered only at the Watertown site. The tack that prepares the licensed LPN for a career as a registered nurse (RN). At the completion of the Associate Degree the student sits for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. The program does not guarantee licensure as an RN.

Technological innovation includes nursing simulation experiences and use of a computer in the classroom. Clinical experiences include major specialty areas and take place in a variety of health care agencies.

The University of South Dakota Nursing AS Program has been approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing since July 1966 and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia 30326 (404-975-5000).

A.S. (LPN-RN) GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A nursing application and acceptance process is required for the student to enter the nursing program. Application deadlines, forms and processes are found on the USD Nursing webpage http://www.usd.edu/health sciences-nursing/Application.

It is recommended that LPN-RN students complete support courses prior to entering or concurrent with the nursing courses. Students must consult with the advisor before completing their schedules regarding departmental and non-departmental requirements.

Progression: The student must earn a “C” as a minimum grade in all courses required for the nursing major. A minimum of “C” is required in all nursing courses to progress to the sequential nursing courses.

Missed or Repeated Courses: A failure or withdrawal in a nursing course requires a readmission application to the Nursing Program. If readmitted, a student may repeat a nursing course in which they earned a W or a grade of less than C only once, and may repeat a total of only one nursing course. There is no guarantee that a student will be readmitted.

Required Testing: The South Dakota Board of Regents Proficiency Examination: All students seeking undergraduate degrees must achieve satisfactory performance on The South Dakota Board of Regents Proficiency Examination, the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP) or have shown previous proficiency through one of the following ways: ACT composite score of 24 or higher; SAT Verbal/Math score of 1090 or higher; ACT subscore equivalencies (English: 18, Math: 22, Reading: 22, Science: 23); or have already earned a Bachelor’s degree or Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from an accredited institution within the United States. Students pursuing an Associate degree must take the examination as soon as they have passed 32 credit hours. This includes credits which are transferred in as well as those taken on campus. The examination is scheduled once each semester, during the first two weeks in November and the last two weeks of March. The CAAP Exam consists of four test components: writing skills, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. The purpose of the examination is to ensure the standards and quality of the education that students receive and to provide the University with information for improving the general educational curriculum. The examination also provides students with information that allows them to compare their performance to that of other students across the United States. Passing this set of exams in necessary to graduate and complete a degree program.

For additional information see Testing Requirements

Policy: Departmental policy mandates the program of study must be completed within three years from the point of admission to the major. If students are out more than one semester they will be required to take a special studies refresher course.

Transfer Students: The number of transfer nursing credits that are accepted for graduation is determined on an individual basis. Refer to website for admission information.

Graduation & Licensure: Following successful completion of the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing, the graduate is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as a registered nurse (RN). Admission or graduation from the nursing program does not guarantee obtaining a license to practice. Felony and other convictions may result in denial of eligibility for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Licensure requirements and subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the state boards regulating professional practice.

A.S. ADMISSION POLICIES

Admission to the Department of Nursing will be based on an objective evaluation that includes the following: admission to USD post-high school academic record, student’s GPA, assessment tests, and personal references.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 is required for all post-high school course work with an emphasis on coursework within the last five years.
A minimum cumulative HESI pre-admission assessment test score of 80% is required. Each individual HESI component score will be evaluated. Of the component scores, the reading component score will be given the highest emphasis. Applicant may re-test once in an admission cycle. Only current admission cycle HESI scores will be considered.
An applicant must possess certain abilities and skills in the areas of intellect, sensory function, communication, fine and gross motor function, and behavior for admission to the nursing program.
All USD Nursing students in the Associate of Science Nursing (AS) and 4-year Baccalaureate of Science Nursing (BSN) program learning in the classroom are required to purchase a laptop computer along with the Microsoft Office software (Microsoft Office 365 is available at no charge through USD IT). The University has negotiated discounted pricing for several Fujitsu and HP models. These models must be purchased directly from the USD Fujitsu or HP links. Students choosing to purchase a personal consumer model laptop must comply with all USD Nursing Laptop Requirements.
The University of South Dakota requires criminal background (CBC) and drug screening checks to all health profession programs. Background checks and drug screening will be performed only after the applicant has received notice of conditional acceptance and will be completed with direction of the Nursing program. An applicant with a felony will not be admitted to any USD nursing program and other convictions may result in denial of acceptance to the program and/or eligibility for Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. USD Nursing and clinical institutions reserve the right to refuse to accept a student based on CBC/drug screen results.
The Nursing Department reserves the right to deny admission based on the best interest of the profession. Failure to disclose previous or pending convictions may lead to denial of admission. Falsification will be considered grounds for dismissal from the University of South Dakota Nursing Program. Admission or graduation from the nursing program does not guarantee obtaining a license to practice. Licensure requirements and subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the state boards regulating professional practice.
Students are admitted to a specific nursing program site. Transfer to another site will occur only under special circumstances and upon approval and recommendation of the Nursing Program Admission & Progression Committee.
All admitted students are subject to the University of South Dakota policies. It is the students’ responsibility to be knowledgeable of all policies and requirements. Policies and requirements are found in the USD Undergraduate Catalogue, the USD Student Handbook, and the Nursing Student Handbook.

SOUTH DAKOTA STUDENT NURSES ASSOCIATION

All students in the Department of Nursing are encouraged to be members of the South Dakota Student Nurses Association. Activities include participation at local, state, and national levels. These activities reflect commitment to the profession of nursing and to the responsibility for health care of people in all walks of life.

MAJORS:

Nursing, BSN (4-year)

The BSN program is a 4-year program that prepares students for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). Students complete two years of general education, liberal arts and science courses, and two pre-nursing courses as a foundation for acceptance into the nursing major. Refer to the 4-year plan of study found on the website for a listing of the foundational coursework. Students apply to the major in the fourth semester of their four-year program of study. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN).

Graduates of the BSN program are prepared to work in a variety of clinical and community settings. Graduates are prepared as life-long learners for graduate-level education, continuing clinical competency and professional development throughout their professional lives.

The baccalaureate program at the University of South Dakota is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 887-6791.

The University of South Dakota was granted Interim status approval for the BSN program by the South Dakota Board of Nursing in February of 2013. Interim status is both a form of approval and a step in the state approval process.

B.S.N. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete foundational courses prior to admission to the Nursing major. Students must consult with their Nursing advisors before completing their schedules regarding departmental and non-departmental requirements. A nursing application and acceptance process is required for the student to enter the clinical nursing courses. For applying to the clinical program and information about application procedures go to www.usd.edu/nursing. Enrollment at each site is limited. Application deadlines for admission are: February 1 for fall semester (Vermillion, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Pierre) and August 1 for spring semester (Vermillion, Sioux Falls, and Rapid City).

Required Testing: The South Dakota Board of Regents Proficiency Examination: All students seeking undergraduate degrees must achieve satisfactory performance on The South Dakota Board of Regents Proficiency Examination, the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP) or have shown previous proficiency through one of the following ways: ACT composite score of 24 or higher; SAT Verbal/Math score of 1090 or higher; ACT subscore equivalencies (English: 18, Math: 22, Reading: 22, Science: 23); or have already earned a Bachelor’s degree or Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from an accredited institution within the United States. Students pursuing a bachelor degree are required to take the exam as soon as they have passed 48 credit hours at or above the 100-level. This includes credits which are transferred in as well as those taken on campus. The examination is scheduled once each semester, during the first two weeks in November and the last two weeks of March. The CAAP Exam consists of four test components: writing skills, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. The purpose of the examination is to ensure the standards and quality of the education that students receive and to provide the University with information for improving the general educational curriculum. The examination also provides students with information that allows them to compare their performance to that of other students across the United States. Passing this set of exams in necessary to graduate and complete a degree program.

For additional information see Testing Requirements

Policy: Departmental policy mandates the program of study must be completed within three years from point of admission to the major. If students are out more than one semester they will be required to take a special studies refresher course.

Transfer Students: The number of transfer nursing credits that are accepted for graduation is determined on an individual basis. Refer to website for admission information.

Graduation & Licensure: Following successful completion of the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, the graduate is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as a registered nurse (RN). Admission or graduation from the nursing program does not guarantee obtaining a license to practice. Felony and other convictions may result in denial of eligibility for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Licensure requirements and subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the state boards regulating professional practice.

B.S.N. ADMISSION POLICIES

1. Admission to the Department of Nursing will be based on an objective evaluation that includes the following: unconditional admission to USD, ACT (refer to guaranteed admission), prerequisite coursework, student’s GPA, preadmission assessment tests, and personal references.

2. Grade of C or higher in all pre-nursing foundational coursework is required.

3. Students may repeat one of the following science courses one time within the last five years to be considered for admission to the BSN program: CHEM 106/106L; CHEM 107/107L; PHGY 220/220L; PHGY 230/230L; and MICRO 230/232.

4. A minimum cumulative HESI pre-admission assessment test score of 80% is required. Each individual HESI component score will be evaluated. Of the component scores, the reading component score will be given the highest emphasis. Applicant may re-test once in an admission cycle. Only current admission cycle HESI scores will be considered.

5. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 in prerequisite BSN courses.

6. An applicant must possess certain abilities and skills in the areas of intellect, sensory function, communication, fine and gross motor function, and behavior for admission to the nursing program.

7. All USD Nursing students in the Associate of Science Nursing (AS) and 4-year Baccalaureate of Science Nursing (BSN) program learning in the classroom are required to purchase a laptop computer along with the Microsoft Office software (Microsoft Office 365 is available at no charge through USD IT). The University has negotiated discounted pricing for several Fujitsu and HP models. These models must be purchased directly from the USD Fujitsu or HP links. Students choosing to purchase a personal consumer model laptop must comply with all USD Nursing Laptop Requirements.

8. The University of South Dakota requires criminal background (CBC) and drug screening checks to all health profession programs. Background checks and drug screening will be performed only after the applicant has received notice of conditional acceptance and will be completed with direction from the Nursing program. An applicant with a felony will not be admitted to any USD nursing program and other convictions may result in denial of acceptance to the program and/or eligibility for Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. USD Nursing and clinical institutions reserve the right to refuse to accept a student based on CBC/drug screen results.

9. The Nursing Department reserves the right to deny admission based on the best interest of the profession. Failure to disclose previous or pending convictions may lead to denial of admission. Falsification will be considered grounds for dismissal from the University of South Dakota Nursing Program. Admission or graduation from the nursing program does not guarantee obtaining a license to practice. Licensure requirements and subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the state boards regulating professional practice.

10. Students are admitted to a specific nursing program site. Transfer to another site will occur only under special circumstances, space availability, faculty and clinical resources, approval of site director and the Nursing Program Admission & Progression Committee.

11. All admitted students are subject to the University of South Dakota policies. It is the students’ responsibility to be knowledgeable of all policies and requirements. Policies and requirements are found in the USD Undergraduate Catalogue, the USD Student Handbook, and the Nursing Student Handbook.

GUARANTEED ADMISSION TO THE BSN PROGRAM

A guaranteed admission to the USD BSN program will be offered to any full time high school student admitted to the USD pre-Nursing Major who meets the following criteria upon admission:

Top 15% of high school graduating class
ACT of 27 or higher
Maintenance of cumulative University GPA of 3.0 or higher
Successful completion of pre-requisite courses (minimum grade of “C” in all courses)
Completion of requirements for admission to the BSN major (completed application for the USD Nursing program by the published deadline; meeting admission assessment testing benchmark (refer to website); clean criminal background check (CBC) and drug screen; health physical and immunizations for entry into clinical practice, etc. )

Nursing, BSN (RN-BSN)

The RN-BSN program is a BSN track for the licensed Registered Nurse (RN) who holds an associate degree or diploma in nursing. Completion of the BSN degree furthers the registered nurse’s professional development, and provides the foundation for continuing on to graduate studies such as advanced practice nursing. Many RNs who complete their BSN assume leadership positions in their facility or further their education at graduate level.

RN-BSN coursework is delivered online. Clinical practicum experiences are application based and completed in the student’s home community.

The baccalaureate program at the University of South Dakota is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 887-6791.

The University of South Dakota was granted Interim status approval for the RN-BSN program by the South Dakota Board of Nursing in March of 2011. Interim status is both a form of approval and a step in the state approval process.

RN-BSN GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Students must be admitted into the RN-BSN program to enroll in the RN-BSN Nursing courses. Students may complete support courses prior to entering or concurrent with the nursing courses.

Prior to enrolling in any coursework, students should consult the RN-BSN advisor regarding departmental and non-departmental requirements.

For RN-BSN application process, refer to USD Nursing webpage. Application deadlines, forms and processes may be electronically access through the USD Nursing webpage.

Admission to the RN-BSN program is a competitive process.

Progression: The student must earn a “C” as a minimum grade in all courses required for the nursing curriculum. If a minimum grade of “C” is not earned the student may not progress. Students progress at a pace to ensure program completion within 5 years.

Required Testing: The South Dakota Board of Regents Proficiency Examination: All students seeking undergraduate degrees must achieve satisfactory performance on The South Dakota Board of Regents Proficiency Examination, the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP). Students pursuing a bachelor degree are required to take the exam as soon as they have passed 48 credit hours at or above the 100-level. This includes credits which are transferred in as well as those taken on campus. The examination is scheduled once each semester, during the first two weeks in November and the last two weeks of March. The CAAP Exam consists of four test components: writing skills, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. The purpose of the examination is to ensure the standards and quality of the education that students receive and to provide the University with information for improving the general educational curriculum. The examination also provides students with information that allows them to compare their performance to that of other students across the United States. Passing this set of exams in necessary to graduate and complete a degree program.

For additional information see Testing Requirements

Policy: Departmental policy mandates the program of study must be completed within five years from the time the student was enrolled in the first RN to BSN nursing course.

Licensure: All applicants to the RN-BSN program are required to be licensed as a Registered Nurse.

RN-BSN ADMISSION POLICIES

1. Admission to the Department of Nursing will be based on an objective evaluation that includes the following: unconditional admission to USD, personal references, post-high school academic record, student’s GPA.

2. Grade of C or higher in all general education requirements is required.

3. An applicant must possess certain abilities and skills in the areas of intellect, sensory function, communication, fine and gross motor function, and behavior for admission to the nursing program.

4. The University of South Dakota requires criminal background and drug screening checks to all health profession programs. Background checks and drug screening will be performed only after the applicant has received notice of conditional acceptance and will be completed with direction from the Nursing program. An applicant with a felony will not be admitted to any USD nursing program and other convictions may result in denial of acceptance to the program and/or eligibility for Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. USD Nursing and clinical institutions reserve the right to refuse to accept a student based on CBC/drug screen results.

5. The Nursing Department reserves the right to deny admission based on the best interest of the profession. Failure to disclose previous or pending convictions may lead to denial of admission. Falsification will be considered grounds for dismissal from the University of South Dakota Nursing Program. Licensure requirements and subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the state boards regulating professional practice.

6. All admitted students are subject to the University of South Dakota policies. It is the students’ responsibility to be knowledgeable of all policies and requirements. Policies and requirements are found in the USD Undergraduate Catalogue, the USD Student Handbook, and the Nursing Student Handbook.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Nursing scholarships come from a variety of donors with funds being variable. As funds are available, scholarships may be awarded to students who qualify and are accepted and enrolled in the nursing major. Students must apply, be in good standing and meet the requirements of the specific scholarship criteria. Selection process is competitive.

NURSING STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS:

Marilyn Abraham Scholarship
Phillip Bernard Scholarship
Faithe Family Scholarship
Alice Hobler Scholarship
Alice Bremer Jopling Scholarship
Holmes-Taylor Scholarship
Doris Erickson Lillibridge Scholarship
Elizabeth Adams Rosenbaum Scholarship
Marian Meyer Scholarship
Nursing Memorial Scholarship
Louisa Irene Scott Scholarship
Norma Stratton Scholarship
Ben Suga Scholarship
Sharon Taylor Scholarship
John T. Vucurevich Scholarships
Robert and Marian Wendel Scholarship
Keo Rose Weegar Scholarship
LuLu Wheeler Scholarship
Dorothy Schurrer Scholarship
Roanne Weaver Scholarship