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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 ������Ƶ 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.

1. Fortitude can be seen as the inner strength or inner fire that allows an individual to persevere in the face of adversity.
2. Wisdom is the ability to make the right decisions not just for self, but for family and community.
3. Courage is the willingness to put oneself in harm’s way to protect family and community or to advance a higher cause or purpose.
4. Generosity is giving of possessions, time and energy to others so that they may prosper.
5. Honor is having integrity to honest character – one who can be trusted.
6. Respect is understanding the importance of all creation, including people, animals and earth.
7. 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.