Empowering Healthcare
partners
Together, we’re creating healthier workplace environments, supporting nursing excellence, and building a stronger healthcare workforce in South Dakota.
Energizing South Dakota's Nursing Workforce
ACT
To take action.
IGNITE
To come together in agreement or alliance.
ALIGN
To inspire an emotion.
Creating a Healthy Workplace Environment
Discover strategies and resources designed to help your organization create a supportive, engaging, and sustainable workplace for nurses and healthcare professionals.
Workplace Assessment Tools
Coming Soon!
Evaluate your current workplace environment and identify areas for improvement with our comprehensive assessment resources.
Retention Strategies
Coming Soon!
Implement evidence-based strategies to improve nurse retention, job satisfaction, and overall workplace culture.
Leadership Development
Coming Soon!
Empower nurse leaders with resources and training to create and maintain healthy workplace environments.
Transform Your Workplace Environment
Ready to take the first step toward creating a healthier workplace for your nursing staff? Connect with our team to discuss your specific needs and how we can support your organization.
Healthy Workplace Resources
Build a supportive, engaging, and sustainable workplace by fostering exceptional preceptorship experiences and providing strategies that help nurses and healthcare professionals thrive.
Preceptor Recognition Programs
Registered Nurses who have precepted USD nursing students are eligible for this award. Criteria: Communicates clearly and respectfully. Is encouraging and patient Role models critical thinking Maintains enthusiasm while precepting Demonstrates expertise in clinical...
Preceptor Excellence Program
Support the development of the nursing workforce by creating exceptional preceptorship experiences within your organization.
Develop Exceptional Nurse Preceptors
Our Preceptor Excellence Program provides comprehensive resources, training, and support for healthcare organizations looking to develop strong preceptorship programs and cultivate skilled nurse preceptors.
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- Structured preceptor training programs and materials
- Tools for effective student-preceptor matching
- Resources for preceptor recognition and incentives
- Strategies for managing preceptor workload
- Evaluation tools to measure program success
- Creative models to address preceptor supply challenges
Preceptor of the Semester
Each semester, SDNN recognizes outstanding clinical preceptors who model professionalism, critical thinking, and compassionate care.
Spring 2025 Winner: Annie Christensen - Avera Milbank Area Hospital
Nominated by a grateful student nurse, Annie Christiansen is recognized as an exemplary preceptor who leads with integrity, kindness, and clinical excellence. She communicates clearly and respectfully, sets high yet supportive expectations, and patiently walks students through each procedure step by step. Annie models critical thinking by seeing the big picture, noticing subtle changes in patient conditions, and teaching students how to connect every detail of care. While pursuing continued education herself, she demonstrates daily compassion, integrity, and professionalism, setting a gold standard for mentorship and nursing leadership.
Spring 2025 Preceptor of the Semester Nominees:
- Grace Pokorny– Unity Point Health- St. Lukes, Sioux City, IA
- Asia Williamson– Avera McKennan NICU, Sioux Falls, SD
- Sage Pulse– Sanford Health Medical Oncology, Sioux Falls, SD
- Stephanie Reinhardt– Freeman Regional Health Services, Freeman, SD
- Ashley Higgins– Pioneer Memorial Hospital, Viborg, SD
- Annie Christensen– Avera Milbank Area Hospital, Milbank, SD
- April Hoffman– Avera McKennan Oncology, Sioux Falls, SD
- Jadyn Tegantvoort– Prairie Lakes Hospital Med Surg, Watertown, SD
South Dakota Nursing Workforce Statistics
14.7%
Licensed RNs in S.D. who plan to retire
between Aug 2024 – Aug 2029
13.1%
SD’s projected percent of RN increase needed to meet demand
19,944
Number of actively licensed RNs in S.D.
As of Dec 2024
Impact Stories
USD Department of Nursing graduates have had a significant impact on supplying quality registered nurses to Avera Health, Sanford Health, and Monument Health for many decades.
Preceptors and Students
Partner with SDNN
Ready to transform your nursing workforce and create a healthier workplace environment? Connect with our team to discuss how SDNN can support your organization’s specific needs and goals.