About the South Dakota
Nursing Network (SDNN)
The South Dakota Nursing Network (SDNN) is a collaborative, worker-centered initiative committed to strengthening and sustaining the nursing workforce across the state.
Formed through a Department of Labor Nursing Expansion Grant, SDNN brings together voices from across the healthcare landscape to shape the future of nursing in South Dakota.
Team Overview
At its core, SDNN is more than just a network—it’s a strategic think tank. Members work together to design impactful programs, guide the implementation of key initiatives, and provide thoughtful feedback to action teams working on the ground.
Our Mission
To improve the nursing workforce in South Dakota by creating a more inclusive, effective, and resilient system.
Goals
- Provide oversight to all related committees
- Evaluate and enhance nursing education and training pathways
- Support workforce expansion by recruiting from underrepresented communities
Purpose
A worker-centered strategy group that designs programs, guides project implementation, and provides feedback to action teams.
Department of Labor Grant Initiative
Five-Year Grant Program
SDNN operates under a comprehensive five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, focused on addressing critical nursing workforce shortages in South Dakota.
Grant Objectives
The grant supports innovative approaches to nursing workforce development, including educational pathway enhancement, clinical training improvements, and strategic partnerships between healthcare facilities and educational institutions.
University of South Dakota Partnership
SDNN is administered through the University of South Dakota, leveraging the university’s nursing education expertise and statewide connections to maximize impact across the state.
Key Grant Focus Areas
- Student recruitment and pathway development
- Healthcare facility training and support
- Preceptor development and recognition
- Quality job creation and workplace improvement
- Mental health nursing education enhancement
- Rural healthcare workforce development
Our Partners
SDNN brings together key stakeholders from across South Dakota’s healthcare and education sectors to create a collaborative approach to nursing workforce development.
Practice Partners
- Monument Health
- CHAD – Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas
- Human Services Center
- Sanford Health
- Avera Health
- Horizon Health
- Huron Regional Medical Center
- Lewis and Clark Behavioral Health
- Community Health Center of the Black Hills
Regulatory Partners
- South Dakota Board of Nursing
- South Dakota Nurses Association
- SDAHO – SD Association of Healthcare Organizations
Academic Partners
- University of South Dakota Nursing
- USD Office of Research
- Western Dakota Technical College
- Mitchell Technical College
State Agency Partners
- SD Department of Education
- West River Area Health Education Center
- SD Department of Labor and Regulation
- SD Department of Health
Leadership Team
Our leadership team brings together expertise in nursing education, healthcare administration, and workforce development to guide SDNN’s strategic initiatives.
Dawn Warren
Department of Labor USD Nursing Expansion Grant Project Director
Primary contact for SDNN initiatives and grant administration.
Coordinates Action Team activities and stakeholder engagement.
Anne Pithan
SDNN Project Director
SDNN leadership structure. Primary contact for SDNN initiatives.
Connect with SDNN
We welcome collaboration and partnership opportunities. Contact us to learn more about how your organization can be involved with SDNN initiatives.