Land Acknowledgement
South Dakota State University acknowledges that the land it occupies across South Dakota is the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Oceti Sakowin (oh-CHEH-tee shaw-KOH-we), meaning Seven Council Fires, which is the proper name for the people referred to as Sioux. We acknowledge that before these sites were named South Dakota State University, they were called home by people of the American Indian Nations indigenous to this region.
Welcome to NANEC!
The College of Nursing Native American Nursing Education Center (NANEC) is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive place for students. The center is located at the SDSU nursing site in Rapid City at 1220 Mount Rushmore Road, Ste 2.
Vision
The NANEC's vision is to provide a place where Native American students achieve their dreams and aspirations of entering and transitioning to professional nursing roles, poised to promote health and well-being of Native people.
Mission
The NANEC's mission is to provide a nurturing and collaborative environment where intentional mentoring inspires Native American nursing students to thrive and flourish.
About the Center
RN to B.S.N. Nurse Mentoring
The RN to B.S.N. program is designed for diploma or associate degree nursing students to earn their baccalaureate degree completely online.
The Native American Nursing Education Center supports RN to B.S.N. students through mentoring and academic support. Mentors are available to students via face-to-face meetings, emails and/or phone calls/texting. Mentors provide support, encouragement and resources that students may find helpful on their journey to earning their B.S.N. online.
Undergraduate Nurse Mentoring
Mentoring is also offered for Native American pre-nursing and nursing students. The Lakota nurse mentor meets with the student monthly and as needed. The mentor is available as a guide, role model and advocate as the student progresses through the nursing program.
Graduate Nursing Mentoring
Lastly, the we offer mentoring to Native students enrolled in the graduate nursing program. In collaboration with graduate nursing, the mentor provides additional social, academic and cultural support. Mentoring provides a one-on-one relationship where Native graduate students can seek guidance, direction and encouragement throughout their graduate nursing education experience.
The Wicozani Otipi, or a place of balance in wellness, is a place for Native American nursing students, faculty and staff to rejuvenate, relax and unwind after a long day of studying and/or work. Wicozani Otipi is quiet and comfortable, allowing people to re-focus and re-center after a hard day’s work. The Wicozani Otipi is inspired by Lakota artwork and consists of a lounging area, microwave, refrigerator and coffee machine.
Wohanpi na Wounspe, Soup and Learn
Every month, NANEC hosts Wohanpi na Wounspe (Soup and Learn) events featuring various cultural topics and Lakota speakers. The event is open to all SDSU nursing students, staff, faculty and the public. This professional development opportunity promotes cultural education, awareness and competency grounded in Lakota culture and values.
Yuo’ nihanp, Honoring Ceremony
Each semester, students are honored with a ceremony at graduation. Honoring ceremonies have been a part of Lakota history for generations. The ceremony signifies recognition of achievement for students for having attained completion of their nursing program. The honoring ceremony also means understanding the responsibility of conducting their lives as professional nurses.
- Fortitude can be seen as the inner strength or inner fire that allows an individual to persevere in the face of adversity.
- Wisdom is the ability to make the right decisions not just for self, but for family and community.
- Courage is the willingness to put oneself in harm’s way to protect family and community or to advance a higher cause or purpose.
- Generosity is giving of possessions, time and energy to others so that they may prosper.
- Honor is having integrity to honest character – one who can be trusted.
- Respect is understanding the importance of all creation, including people, animals and earth.
- Humility is the core value – understanding that the values and gifts given to us by our creator are not only for personal gains. Our purpose is to protect, heal and advance our communities for benefit of future generations.
Let's Talk!
Our NANEC team is ready to help you find a path to meet your nursing goals. Fill out this online form and our staff will get back to you as soon as possible to answer your questions.
Visit Us
See our simulation labs, talk with our academic advisors, meet our NANEC faculty and staff and more.
