Nursing Department

Debra Leners, Chairperson
243 Julian Hall
(605) 677-5006
nursing@usd.edu

www.usd.edu/nursing

Vermillion Campus

Kathy Magorian, Director
414 East Clark Street
Julian Hall 211
Vermillion, SD 57069
TEL: 605-677-5251
FAX: 605-677-5886

Pierre Campus

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

Rapid City Campus

Ellie Brooks, Director
Health Sciences Building
1011 11th Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
TEL: 605-394-5396
FAX: 605-394-5473

Sioux Falls Campus

Linda Benedict, Director
Health Science Center
University Center
2300 N Career Ave, Suite 260
Sioux Falls, SD 57107
TEL: 605-782-3213
FAX: 605-782-3219

Watertown Campus

Robin Brown, Director
Lake Area Technical Institute
PO Box 730
230 11th Street, NE
Watertown, SD 57201-0730
TEL: 605-882-5284, ext. 282
FAX: 605-882-6299

GSS Distance

Kathy Manning, Director
414 East Clark Street
Julian Hall 313
Vermillion, SD 57069
TEL: 605-677-6224
FAX: 605-677-5021

E-Learning

Lorall Karpuk, Director
414 E. Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
TEL: 605-202-0684
FAX: 605-677-5021

FACULTY:

Associate Professors:

Debra A. Leners - Program Chairperson
Linda Benedict - Sioux Falls
Ellie Brooks - Rapid City
Robin Brown - Watertown
Connie Evenson - Sioux Falls
Lisa Feller - Pierre
Katherine Jorgensen - Vermillion
Lorall Karpuk - GSS Distance
Cindy Mulder - Sioux Falls
Susan Reinhart - Rapid City
Diana Twidwell - Rapid City
Dawn Warren - Rapid City
Jean Yockey - Vermillion

Assistant Professors:

Nancy Denker - GSS Distance
Carol Dreke - Sioux Falls
Cheryl Fischbach - Watertown
Michelle Gierach - Sioux Falls
Tracee Hofer - Sioux Falls
Amy Hunsley-McTighe - Pierre
Heidi Johnson-Anderson - Rapid City
Kathy Johnson - Sioux Falls
Tamela Kisner - Rapid City
Lori Koenecke - Pierre
Regan Luken - Vermillion
Kathy Magorian - Vermillion
Dawn Manning - GSS Distance
Kathy Manning - GSS Distance
Traci McDonald - GSS Distance
Kimberly Nerud - Watertown
Bridget Nichols - Sioux Falls
Stephanie Orth - Rapid City
Audrey Poor Bear - Vermillion
Annette Ray - Pierre
Heidi Schmidt - Watertown
Julie Symes - Rapid City
Rebecca Wolff - Vermillion

Instructors:

Anne Kleinhesselink - Sioux Falls
Michelle Lichtenberg - Vermillion
Katherine Logan - Rapid City
Vicki Owen - Rapid City
Christine Tesch - Sioux Falls

Student Services:

Barbara Corio - Vermillion
Jennie Holland - Sioux Falls
Dawn Manning - GSS Distance
Sandy Teigen - Rapid City

MAJOR:

Nursing, A.S.

The Department of Nursing prepares the student for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in a variety of practice areas. Nursing of today encompasses the best of nursing traditions and adds new perspectives and opportunities. Today’s nurses are highly skilled professional women and men whose decision-making skills and expert nursing care are an essential part of the health care team.

The University of South Dakota is designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education (2004-2010) by the National League for Nursing (NLN). The Nursing Department promotes excellence in education and practices in nursing and inspires students to become life-long learners who contribute to their respective discipline and profession while enhancing their communities.

Technological innovation includes nursing simulation experiences on nursing mannequins, an online virtual lab and use of a tablet PC in the classroom. Clinical experiences include all major specialty areas and take place in a variety of health care agencies.

The nursing program is offered on the main university campus in Vermillion and at four campuses across the state including Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Watertown. In addition to the traditional RN track, a LPN to RN track is offered to currently licensed LPN’s at all campuses. The Watertown campus accepts only LPN’s. The nursing program also offers a GSS Distance program in partnership with Good Samaritan Society (GSS) for their employees.

The University of South Dakota Nursing Program has been approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing since July 1966 and has had full accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting
Commission (NLNAC) since 1975. Information concerning the program may be obtained from the NLNAC, 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006 (212-363-5555).

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The student must earn a “C” as a minimum grade in all courses required for the nursing major. Students may complete support courses prior to entering or concurrent with the nursing courses.

Students must consult with their advisors before completing their schedules regarding departmental and non-departmental requirements.

Students must be admitted into the nursing major to enroll in the nursing courses. A minimum of “C” is required in all nursing courses to progress to the sequential nursing courses. A failure or withdrawal in a nursing course requires a written request for readmission to the Department of Nursing. A break in the usual curricular pattern means completion of the nursing curriculum may take more than the two years. Departmental policy mandates the program of study must be completed within five years from the time the student was enrolled in the first clinical nursing course.

ADMISSION POLICIES

Admission to the Department of Nursing will be based on an objective evaluation that includes the following: ACT/SAT score, high school and post-high school academic record, student’s GPA, Assessment Tests, personal references, and work experience in the health field.
A minimum overall GPA of 2.5 is required for all post-high school course work.
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.
Students are required to purchase a specific computer ordered through USD. (my U.Portal < Academics < Health Sciences Supplemental Information < Nursing < Computer Requirements)
The University of South Dakota requires criminal background checks as part of conditional admission to all health profession programs. Background checks will be performed only after the applicant has received notice of conditional acceptance and will be completed through Verified Credentials, Inc. Felony and/or other convictions may result in denial of acceptance to the program and/or eligibility for Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. Drug screening checks may be required for licensure and/or clinical placement.
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 campus. Transfer to another campus will occur only under special circumstances and upon approval and recommendation of the Statewide Student 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.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

APPLY TO USD
The USD application can be found online at http://www.usd.edu/future-students/ or by contacting the Office of Admissions at 1-877-269-6837 or 605-677-5434.

In order to be considered for the USD Nursing Program, you must be accepted to USD by:

January 1st if you are applying for the fall admission to nursing classes
July 1st if you are applying for spring admission to nursing classes

APPLY TO NURSING
The USD Nursing application can be found on the Nursing Program website: www.usd.edu/nursing.

Your application file is complete when all of the following items are received:

USD Nursing Application
Transcripts:
1. Current USD students may print an “unofficial transcript” from Web Advisor
2. Students not enrolled at USD must supply unofficial transcripts from ALL previous colleges attended.

Plan of Study Physical and Mental Requirements Form Brief Statement describing the reasons you have decided to pursue nursing Three Reference Forms (work or education related)

Applicants who wish to be considered for the USD Nursing Program must take the nursing entrance exam. Applicants will be notified of testing dates.

If you are a prospective student with a disability and need assistance or accommodation during the admission/application process, please contact the Director of Disabilities Services, 119B Service Center North, USD, Vermillion, SD 57069. Phone 605-577-6389 Fax: 605-677-3172 Email: dservice@usd.edu

Nursing Application Deadlines:
If you apply to more than one campus, a complete set of application materials should be sent to each campus. The nursing application for admission and all required materials should be sent to the program campus of your choice.

The deadlines for complete application files to be considered for admission are:

For Fall Admission:
February 1 Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Vermillion or GSS Distance
April 1 Watertown (LPN’s only)

For Spring Admission:
August 1 Rapid City or Sioux Falls (Internet Option Only)

Enrollment at each campus is limited. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space available basis.

LPN TO RN UPWARD MOBILITY

Admission is limited to currently licensed LPNs or graduate practical nurses with license pending. Upon successful completion of the LPN GAP exam, the following eleven nursing credits are granted:

NURS 205 (8 credits)
NURS 281 (3 credits are granted by completing the LPN GAP exam, enrollment in 5 credit hours of coursework is required)

The LPN to RN student must complete all general education courses (30 credits), NURS 260 (9 credits), NURS 281 (5 credits), NURS 283 (1 credit), and NURS 285 (9 credits); for a total of 65 credit hours.

REQUIRED TESTING

Regental Proficiency Examination

Associate degree students must take the examination once they have passed 32 credit hours.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

The transfer student shall meet University and Department of Nursing admission requirements. The number of advanced standing nursing credits that are accepted for graduation is determined on an individual basis. A letter of reference from former schools is required if clinical nursing courses have been completed.

CLEP EXAMINATIONS

A total of ten support course credits may be earned by CLEP examination, including the following: ENGL 101, PSYC 101, and MATH 102.

LICENSURE

Following successful completion of the Associate 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.

SOUTH DAKOTA STUDENT NURSE’S ASSOCIATION

All students in the Department of Nursing are encouraged to be members of the South Dakota Student Nurse’s 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.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Endowed scholarships are awarded by faculty to students accepted and enrolled in the nursing major. Students must be in good standing and meet the requirements of the specific scholarship criteria.

FIRST and SECOND LEVEL NURSING STUDENTS SCHOLARSHIPS:

Doris Erickson Lillibridge Scholarship
Elizabeth Adams Rosenbaum Scholarship
John T. Vucurevich Academic Scholarship
John T. Vucurevich Endowment Scholarship
John T. Vucurevich Career Mobility Scholarship
John T. Vucurevich Community Service Scholarship
Keo Rose Weeger Scholarship
Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students

SECOND LEVEL NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS:

Marilyn Abraham Scholarship
Phillip Bernard Scholarship
Faithe Family Scholarship
Florence Nightingale Scholarship
Louisa Irene Scott Scholarship
Norma Stratton Scholarship
Ben Suga Scholarship
John T. Vucurevich Clinical Excellence Scholarship
Robert and Marian Wendel Scholarship
Judith West Scholarship
LuLu Wheeler Scholarship

LPN STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS:

Dorothy Schurrer Scholarship
Roanne Weaver Scholarship