Nursing Department

Chair

Anne Pithan, DNP, RN, CENP, NE-BC, CMSRN,CN
414 East Clark Street
Lee Med 304
Vermillion, SD 57069
Tel: (605) 658-5610
Fax: (605) 658-3301
nursing@usd.edu
www.usd.edu/nursing

Associate Chair of Academics

Anne Kleinhesselink, PhD, RN
414 East Clark Street
Lee Med 326D
Vermillion, SD 57069
TEL: 605-658-5600
FAX: 605-658-3301

Student Services Director

Regan Luken, MSN, RN
414 East Clark St.
Lee Med 306
TEL: 605-658-5605

Clinical Experiences Director

Michelle Knuppe, MSN, RN
USD SF
4801 N Career Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57107
TEL: 605-658-5600
FAX: 605-658-3301

Academic Site Director - Vermillion

Helene Hegge, PhD, RN
414 East Clark Street
Lee Med 317
Vermillion, SD 57069
TEL: 605-658-5600
FAX: 605-658-3301

Academic Site Director - Sioux Falls

Michelle Knuppe, MSN, RN
USD SF
4801 N Career Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57107 
TEL: 605-658-5600
FAX: 605-658-3301

RN-BSN Coordinator

Heidi Waters, MSN, RN
414 East Clark Street
Lee Med 321
Vermillion, SD 57069
TEL: 605 658-5600
FAX: 605-658-3301

FACULTY

Associate Professor:

Jean Yockey, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE - Vermillion

Assistant Professor:

Anne Kleinhesselink , PhD, RN - Vermillion
Anne Pithan, DNP, RN, CENP, NE-BC, CMSRN, CNE - Vermillion
Tamara Keefner, PhD, BSN, RN, CNE - Rapid City

Lecturer:

Kallie Finley, DNP, RN - Vermillion
Lisa Varenhorst, DNP, MSN, RN, CHSE-A - Sioux Falls
Dawn Warren, EdD, MSN, BSN, RN - Vermillion
Jessica Warren - Vermillion

Instructors:

Abby Houg, MSN, RN - Sioux Falls
Alyssa Studer, MSN, RN - Sioux Falls
Ashtyn VanZee, MSN, RN - Sioux Falls
Heidi Waters, MSN, RN - Vermillion
Helene Hegge, PhD, RN - Vermillion
Jasmine Boeke, MSN, RN, SCRN - Sioux Falls
Jeanna Pankratz, MSN, RN - Vermillion
Katie Fransen, MSN, RN, CNEn - Vermillion
Kelli Ebbesen, MSN, RN - Sioux Falls
Lauryn Norton, MSN-Ed, RN - Vermillion
Lori Munter, MSN, RN - Vermillion
Miranda Grevlos, MSN, RN - Sioux Falls
Regan Luken, MSN, RN - Vermillion
Timothy Leach, MSN, RN - Sioux Falls
Tyler Kaufmann, MSN, RN - Sioux Falls
Tiana Deelstra, MSN, RN - Vermillion

Affiliate Instructors:

Christine Tesch, MSN, RN - Vermillion
Emily Smith, DNP, RN - Vermillion

Advisors:

Chris Doty - Vermillion
Dawn Warren - Graduate Programs
Kelli Ebbesen - Sioux Falls
Michelle Seaton-Bertsch - RN-BSN

MAJORS:

Nursing, BSN (4-year)

The BSN program is a 4-year track that prepares students for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). Students complete general education pre-requisites courses as a foundation for acceptance into the nursing major. Refer to the 4-year program guide found on the nursing website for a listing of the pre-requisite coursework www.usd.edu/nursing. Students apply to the major in the third semester of their four-year program of study. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN).

LPN’s entering the LPN-BSN program have the opportunity for 8 credits by verification towards the total 120 credits. Students may receive 3 theory credits for NURS 311, 1 credit for NURS 312, 2 credits for NURS 383, and 2 credits for NURS 352.

The baccalaureate degree in nursing at the University of South Dakota is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Both the four-year B.S.N. and the R.N.-B.S.N. tracks in the Bachelor of Science in nursing program are approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

B.S.N. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Application for admission: Students must submit a nursing application by the application deadline; April 1st for fall semester and September 1st for spring semester. For the application process, visit the USD Nursing website

Graduation & Licensure: Following successful completion of the nursing major, 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.

B.S.N. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

(LPN to BSN students follow this admissions process)

Admission to the nursing major will be based on an objective evaluation that includes:

Unconditional admission to USD.
A minimum GPA of 2.7 in prerequisite BSN courses.
A grade of C or higher in pre-requisite coursework.
Students who fail to obtain a C or higher in any of the prerequisite science courses (CHEM 106, CHEM 106L, CHEM 112, CHEM 112L, PHGY 220, PHGY 220L, PHGY 230, PHGY 230L, MICRO 230, MICRO 232)may repeat only one course once during a five-year period prior to admission into the nursing program.
A minimum cumulative Health Educational Systems Inc. (HESI) admission exam score of 80%. Each individual HESI component score will be evaluated. Of the component scores, the reading component score will be given the highest emphasis. Applicants may re-test once in an admission cycle. Only current admission cycle HESI scores will be considered.

Once conditionally accepted to the nursing major, students must meet the following contingencies for finals acceptance into the BSN program:

A criminal background (CBC) check per Health Affairs policy.  The CBC 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 results.
Immunization requirements as defined in the USD Health Affairs Immunization Policy
Program deposit
Health physical
Health insurance
Program forms

Students accepted to the nursing major are required to purchase a laptop computer and Microsoft Office software (Microsoft Office 365 is available at no charge through USD IT). BSN admission criteria https://www.usd.edu/health-sciences/nursing/bsn-admission-criteria.

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.

DIRECT ADMISSION TO THE BSN PROGRAM

Students admitted to the USD pre-nursing major may apply for direct admission to the USD BSN program dependent on the following criteria:

ACT of 27 or higher, or
SAT of 1260 or higher, or
ACT/SAT super score, or
Meet eligibility requirements for ROTC
Maintenance of cumulative University GPA of 3.0 or higher
Successful completion of pre-requisite courses with a minimum grade of C
Students who fail to obtain a C or higher in any of the prerequisite science courses (CHEM 106, CHEM 106L, CHEM 112, CHEM 112L, PHGY 220, PHGY 220L, PHGY 230, PHGY 230L, MICRO 230, MICRO 232) may repeat only one course once during a five-year period prior to admission into the nursing program.

Students receiving direct admission to the BSN program must complete an admission application by the published deadline and complete all admission contingencies for final acceptance into the BSN program. 

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.

The baccalaureate degree in nursing at the University of South Dakota is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Both the four-year B.S.N. and the R.N.-B.S.N. tracks in the Bachelor of Science in nursing program are approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

B.S.N. (RN-BSN) GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Application for admission: Students must submit a nursing application for fall or spring admission to the RN-BSN program. For the RN-BSN application process, visit the USD Nursing website. Application deadlines, forms, and processes may be electronically accessed through the website.
Graduation: Students must complete 120 credit hours of required coursework for the major.

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.

B.S.N. (RN-BSN) ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to the nursing major will be based on an objective evaluation that includes:

Unconditional admission to USD.
Graduate of a state board of nursing-approved program. Students who do not graduate from an ACEN or NLNAC accredited program will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Active, unencumbered RN license to practice nursing.
A grade of C or higher in all support coursework.

Once conditionally accepted to the nursing major, students must meet the following contingencies for finals acceptance into the BSN program:

A criminal background (CBC) check per Health Affairs policy.  The CBC 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.
Immunization requirements as defined in the USD Health Affairs Immunization Policy
Program deposit
Health insurance
Program forms

SOUTH DAKOTA STUDENT NURSES ASSOCIATION

All students in the Department of Nursing are encouraged to join South Dakota Student Nurses Association. Activities include participation at local, state, and national levels. These activities reflect commitment to the nursing profession of nursing.

SIGMA THETA TAU INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY OF NURSING

OMEGA BETA CHAPTER

Students demonstrating academic excellence will be invited to join the USTTI Omega Beta chapter. Through your membership, you will discover communities of practice and common interest that will open doors and provide meaningful professional experiences. You will have the opportunity to grow, develop, and contribute to the nursing profession through honor, community, service, and knowledge.

SCHOLARSHIPS

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

Please contact the department for additional information about available scholarships and awards. Also see School of Health Sciences for school level scholarships.

Student Learning Outcomes for Nursing (BSN, LPN-BSN, RN-BSN)

Integrate theoretical knowledge of nursing practice and scientific disciplines for application on the unique ways of knowing and caring as an independent, evolving, and competent practitioner. (Domain 1: Knowledge for Nursing Practice)
Provide holistic, person-centered nursing care of the individual, family, and community across the lifespan and in a variety of settings. (Domain 2: Person-Centered Care)
Contribute to the health of populations through impactful partnerships, addressing socioeconomic factors, promoting equity, advocating for health policy, and ensuring preparedness across the healthcare continuum. (Domain 3: Population Health)
Participate in the scholarship of the nursing discipline to inform scientific understanding, enhance clinical practice, influence health policy, and impact best practices for patient care. (Domain 4: Scholarship for the Nursing Discipline)
Apply quality improvement principles that contribute to a culture of patient, provider, and work environment safety. (Domain 5: Quality and Safety)
Engage in intentional collaboration with interprofessional partners to optimize quality care delivery. (Domain 6: Interprofessional Partnerships)
Apply knowledge of systems-based approaches to promote delivery of safe, quality, and equitable care across diverse populations and settings in complex healthcare systems. (Domain 7: Systems-Based Practice)
Leverage information, communication technologies, and informatics processes, to improve decision-making and oversee the provision of safe, quality, and efficient healthcare services. (Domain 8: Informatics and Healthcare Technologies)
Cultivate a professional identity through engagement and reflection that embodies professional values, ethical comportment, and accountability that aligns with the expectations of the profession. (Domain 9: Professionalism)
Demonstrate personal, professional, and leadership attributes and skills that foster commitment to personal well-being, a spirit of inquiry, and a capacity for leadership. (Domain 10: Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development)