Minot State University
08/30/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/30/2024 15:26
The Heart of Minot State Nursing: Celebrating the dedication, expertise of our faculty
By Amy Lee
Chair, Minot State University Nursing Program
MINOT, N.D. - Minot State University's Nursing Program has long been a cornerstone of healthcare education in North Dakota, and at the heart of its success is the dedicated faculty who have shaped the program into what it is today.
Of the 15 nursing educators, over half are proud graduates of the very program they now lead, bringing a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to their roles. Collectively, they boast over 100 years of experience in nursing education at MiSU. Before transitioning into teaching, these educators worked in critical areas such as emergency care, ICU, maternal newborn, mental health, public health, NICU, geriatrics, and more. Additionally, all faculty members hold master's degrees and many have earned doctorates, underscoring their commitment to lifelong learning.
Several of our faculty members continue to work as RNs at the bedside in addition to their teaching responsibilities, maintaining a strong connection to the realities of clinical practice.
Since our first graduating BSN cohort in 1973, the Minot State Nursing Program has been a vital contributor to the nursing workforce in North Dakota. Currently, we graduate around 48 students each year. The program has produced a significant number of nurses, with most choosing to remain in the state to practice, thereby directly supporting and strengthening local healthcare.
MSU's NCLEX pass rates are consistently above state and national averages, with a perfect 100% pass rate in 2023. Additionally, the BSN Completion program offers flexible options for two-year RNs to obtain their BSN, a degree that, while not required for RNs, significantly enhances patient care and career advancement opportunities. Furthermore, many of our nursing students actively participate in collegiate sports, exemplifying their ability to balance rigorous academic and athletic commitments- a testament to their dedication and time management skills.
Nursing education presents unique challenges compared to typical classroom work, particularly due to the extensive clinical experience required, which is directly supervised by nursing faculty. Clinicals demand hours of 1:8 instruction, and our students benefit from more clinical hours than those in other programs, making them highly sought after upon graduation.
The faculty's impact extends far beyond the classroom. They are not only educators but active contributors to the nursing profession through their involvement in professional organizations such as Sigma, the North Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON), the North Dakota Nurses Association (NDNA), The North Dakota Nurse Research Collaborative (NDNRC), the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Education and Administration (CUNEA), and the National League for Nursing (NLN). Their commitment to service, scholarship, and research is evidenced by their extensive community outreach efforts, published works, and ongoing research projects aimed at advancing healthcare in our region.
The Minot State Nursing faculty are mentors, role models, and leaders in the healthcare community. Their unwavering commitment to their students, their profession, and the people of North Dakota has made a lasting impact that extends far beyond the university's walls. As they continue to educate the next generation of nurses, they play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare in our state
In a time when the demand for skilled, compassionate nurses has never been greater, the importance of the Minot State Nursing faculty cannot be overstated. Their dedication to the profession and their community is not only valued but essential to the continued advancement of healthcare in North Dakota.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 08/30/24