Department of Undergraduate Nursing

Nursing students in a simulation lab.

Heidi Mennenga, Associate Dean for Academic Programs
Department of Undergraduate Nursing
Wagner Hall 217, Box 2275
605-688-6924

Faculty

Professors

Mary Isaacson, Mary Anne Krogh, Heidi Mennenga

Associate Professors

Robin Brown, Sarah Mollman

Assistant Professors

Brittany Brennan, Karin Emery, Michelle Lichtenberg, Danielle Schievelbein, Alyssa Zweifel

Clinical Associate Professor

Robin Arends, Brandi Pravecek

Clinical Assistant Professors

Dannica Callies, Theresa Garren-Grubbs, Lea Niederbaumer, Christina Plemmons, Nicole Selle

Lecturers

Sue Bassett, Janice Conlee, Samantha Fischbach, Becka Foerster, Erika Huber, Caitlyn Ireland, Amanda Mehlhaff, Jody Ness, Annette Ray, Takara Schomberg, Allyson Stromer, Megan Watson, Venita Winterboer

Instructors

Nicole Albert, Nicole Carlson, Danielle Currier, Brittany Fenderson, Samantha Fischbach, Anna Foster, Traci Gislason, Wayne Hintz, LeAnn Lamb, Kate Luecke, Bailey Marler, Amanda Sandager, Corynn Vande Kamp, Megan Veldkamp, Deborah Venable, Patrick Verley, Abby Westphalen, Renee Zacher

Emeritus

Paula Carson, Gloria Craig, Cynthia Elverson, Margaret Hegge, Kay Foland, Barbara Hobbs, Sharon Hofland, Martha Iken, MaryLou Mylant, Coral Joffer, Roberta Olson, Tom Stenvig, Lois Tschetter, Jo Voss

Overview

The department of Undergraduate Nursing curriculum prepares students for professional practice in a variety of acute care, community, and other settings. This education provides the foundation for the development of professional knowledge, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, leadership skills and pursuit of high standards in health care to influence quality health outcomes.

Student Learning Outcomes

The department of Undergraduate Nursing seeks to prepare nurses to:

Integrate theories and concepts from liberal education into nursing practice.
Integrate effective leadership skills to improve the quality of health care.
Incorporate evidence-based practice.
Demonstrate proficiency in patient care technologies and informatics.
Evaluate the implications of health policy and health care delivery systems on the professional nursing practice environment.
Integrate effective interprofessional communication and collaboration into professional nursing practice.
Improve population health through health promotion and disease prevention.
Integrate behaviors that reflect nursing values and professional standards into practice.
Provide patient-centered, quality care.

Programs

Majors

Minors

Health Science Minor

Accreditation and Approvals

The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at South Dakota State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The undergraduate nursing program at SDSU is approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The College is a member agency in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Candidates for graduation in the standard and accelerated curriculum are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as registered nurses. Licensure as a registered nurse (RN) is required by law in every state in order to practice professional nursing.

Facilities and Services

The College of Nursing has state of the art Simulation Labs that enable educators to enhance the quality and delivery of nursing education. Simulation provides an opportunity for nursing students to practice nursing care with a variety of patients and patient scenarios including rural settings. The high-technology simulation setting allows students practice in the areas of electronic health records, informatics, and tele-health.

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities

The department offers opportunities for student engagement through research, international travel opportunities, a freshmen Health Professionals Learning Community, and student organizations such as the Nurses Christian Fellowship, Student Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International, an honor society for nursing students.