Nursing - a noble profession, and some information on Nursing Programs at Lake Region State College

Nursing is a noble profession, one that requires strong commitment, a great deal of tolerance, and a deep sense of compassion for humanity. For the 18th year in a row, nurses have been rated as the most* trusted profession in the United States. (*- A Gallup Poll, 2019). 

Recently, 12 nursing students were pinned by individuals who impacted their lives while at Lake Region State College, Devils Lake.

The students are graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing program. The pinning took place on  May 14th, 2022  in Robert Fawcett Auditorium, Devils Lake.

(Credit: https://www.devilslakejournal.com/story/news/2022/06/15/meet-devils-lakes-newest-nurses/7618183001/)

Nursing pins are presented at a pinning ceremony which symbolizes an official welcome and acceptance into the profession. According to thenerdynurse.com, nursing pins tie back to the Maltese cross worn by the crusaders. The Crusaders wore the Maltese cross as a symbol of service to Christianity. Florence Nightingale was the first to stress the importance of official nurse training and recognition of that training.

Lake Region State College will hold pinning for its practical nurse graduates in July, 2022.

When one is receiving health care services, they likely will receive care from a registered nurse, a licensed practical nurse, or a certified nursing assistant. They all work as part of the health care delivery team to offer services to those in need. Of course, these various nursing professionals will generally offer the first line of direct patient care and they represent a very major part of overall health care delivery. 

Nursing Programs at Lake Region State College

The Nursing programs at Lake Region State College, Devils Lake, South Dakota provide the knowledge and skills students will need to enter a challenging career in nursing. Upon acceptance into the program, students will receive classroom study and supervised experience in caring for patients in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, acute care centers, long-term care facilities, home care agencies, and clinics. 

As a partner in the Dakota Nursing Program, Lake Region State College offers education for multiple steps on the nursing career ladder:

• Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
• Paramedic to Nurse program
• Practical Nurse (LPN) program (11-month curriculum)
• Associate Degree Nurse (RN) program (9-month curriculum)
• Graduates are prepared to sit for national licensure exams and, with passing scores, qualify for employment as CNAs, LPNs, or RNs.

Practical Nurse Certificate (LPN)

The Practical Nurse program at LRSC provides the knowledge and skills you need to enter a challenging career in nursing. Upon acceptance into the program, you will receive classroom study and supervised experience in caring for patients in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, acute care centers, long-term care facilities, home care agencies, and clinics. During the eleven-month certificate program, you will be taught practical nursing skills under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with the earliest receiving priority consideration.

North Dakota requires that graduates of state-approved practical nurse programs pass a licensing exam before they may practice as Licensed Practical Nurses. Graduates of LRSC's Practical Nurse program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN®).

Graduates who meet continuation criteria may continue their studies in the Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) program at Lake Region State College, or transfer any of their credits to baccalaureate programs at other higher education institutions.

Paramedic to Nurse Program

The Paramedic to Nurse Program gives experienced paramedics an opportunity to transition their career to nursing through specialized bridge courses. Students must have 2 years of experience as a paramedic and complete the nursing program prerequisites to be accepted into the program. Completion of the bridge program and required general education courses, with a C or better, will make the student eligible to move into the Associate Degree program and gain a Registered Nursing License in the state of North Dakota.

Associate Degree Nurse (RN)

The Associate Degree Nurse Program welcomes applications from Licensed Practical Nurses. The process differs slightly for individuals currently enrolled in the Practical Nurse Program and external applicants. The Admission Committee reviews all completed applications; incomplete applications are not reviewed. Applicants will be notified in writing of their acceptance status.

The Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) curriculum will provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills you need to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN). Classroom instruction and clinical practice will include adult health nursing, maternal child nursing, community health, and psychosocial nursing. Students will then be prepared to deliver safe nursing care to individuals and families across their lifespans in a variety of settings.

North Dakota requires nurses to pass a licensing exam after completing a state-approved nursing program. Graduates of the Associate Degree Nurse program are required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) before they may practice as Registered Nurses. ATI Comp Predictor verified by test scores.

For more information on the Dakota Nursing Program and program prerequisites, go to DakotaNursing.org.