MITCHELL — The need for new nurses remains strong, and Dakota Wesleyan University and Avera Health took another step Tuesday to address that need, raising the costs of educating local student nurses and facilities of local health care providers. Announced a new sponsorship program to help keep it going. manned.

“Today is a wonderful day to confirm our unwavering, long-term partnership with Avera Health, and even more closely with Avera Queen of Peace. We are pleased to announce that we have entered into a partnership with this important member of the Mitchell community and the larger community to help with the cost of education,” said Dan Kittle, president of Dakota Wesleyan University. .

The program, the Avera Achieve Sponsorship Program, supports selected second-year Dakota Wesleyan nursing students, commits to work as a nurse at Avera for three years after graduation, and provides third- and fourth-year education funding. Offer $20,000. .

Nurses remain in high demand throughout South Dakota and across the country. Kittle said the nursing education center continues to see high demand for students, including Dakota Wesleyan. He noted that 100% of his nursing students at the school got a job after graduation.

The nursing program has about 166 nursing students between the Mitchell campus and Sioux Falls, Kittle said.

“This sponsorship invests in the education of students at Dakota Wesleyan University because we know these students will meet critical medical needs in communities throughout South Dakota,” said Kittle. increase.

Doug Ekeren, Regional President and CEO of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton and Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, commended the partnership between Dakota Wesleyan and Avera Health, saying the two organizations share a strong commitment to excellence and education. I said that they complement each other in points.

Adam Surley / Mitchell Republic

“Nursing is both an art and a science. Impacting a better life is a personal mission. We are doing it,” said Ekeren. “Education, especially nursing education, is the cornerstone of Avera’s mission. Avera Mission was founded by brave sisters who came to the Dakota Territory in the 1880s. , a mission that evolved to include health care, especially as the diphtheria and influenza epidemics presented.”

The Dakota Wesleyan alumni are a familiar sight in the halls of the Avella facility, Ekeren said.

“Avera is proud to employ many of our Dakota Wesleyan alumni. I got

The first six students approved for sponsorship attended a press conference Tuesday at Dakota Wesleyan University and will be among the alumni who will work for Avera when they graduate from the program. His $20,000 in support from Avera would go a long way in helping them reach their goal, they said.

Ipswich’s Tessa Kilber said the funding for education and the chance to work in a system like Avera is a great opportunity.

“It makes a big difference. It gives me security for my finances and my future after graduation,” Kilber said. is.”

Mitchell’s Jasmine Salcido-Santos says receiving the sponsorship will help her stay on track to reach her own career goals.

“It gives me the opportunity to make my dreams come true,” said Salcido Santos.

The first group of six sponsorship recipients consists of Salcido Santos. Kilber; Nora Nelson in Rapid City; Elizabeth Ortiz of Sturgis. Connor Tapia for tea. Alexis Tilton of Mitchell.

Adam Surley / Mitchell Republic

Penny Tilton, Chair of Dakota Wesleyan’s Nursing Department, said the program is aimed at helping students who are striving to complete their education by studying under a school teacher and gaining real-world experience by going out into the world. He said it would make a real difference in his life. with a reputable employer.

“Sponsorships of this magnitude really mean a lot to the students in our department. Every day, our faculty and staff strive to teach students that nursing is both a profession and a vocation.” said Tilton. “These six people I have the privilege of knowing will be a credit to the Avera organization and its community, family and friends.”

Kittle also credited Teresa Kreise, executive vice president of Dakota Wesleyan University, who served as interim president of the university before Kittle was hired in late 2021, as one of the program’s early guides. After about a year of planning and preparation, it was great to finally see the program kick off.

“It’s great. We’re really looking forward to giving our students a chance,” said Kriese. “We see her Avera as a true partner, so this is a great way to support the community and their partnerships.”

Ekeren said providing support to Dakota Wesleyan’s nursing students benefits the quality of care for students, Avera Health, the community at large and beyond.

“I think it’s a great way to help match the workforce needs of students, help with their education costs, and give them a little bit more clarity on their career path after completing their degree. “The students at Dakota Wesleyan spend a lot of clinical time with us, so we get to know them and they get to know me.” Indeed, having healthcare graduates graduate and get a job today will help all of us in this region because without the workforce, we because they do not have access to care.

Kittle agreed that Dakota Wesleyan and Avera worked well together. He pointed to Ekeren’s view of the importance of education and of supporting and enriching communities through that education.

Supporting the next generation of nurses will only help improve the quality of life for Mitchell and beyond, and when that happens, everyone wins, he said.

“I was thinking about the mission of the university and the mission of Abella. It’s all about coming together, crossing and improving people and communities,” Kittle said. “Both of these organizations, and we both, understand that investing in people makes communities stronger.

For more information on the nursing program at Dakota Wesleyan University, visit www.dwu.edu/academics/majors-minors/nursing. For more information about Avera Health, please visit www.avera.org.