Rural South Dakota: The Power of Education and Care Delivery Partnerships

Abstract

Central South Dakota is a picture of plains, the Missouri River, small towns, ranches, farms, and reservations. This is the setting for the University of South Dakota Department of Nursing, Pierre Campus. The nursing program is a partner with Capital University Center in providing an opportunity that would otherwise be out of reach for students in the central area of the state. Students travel from surrounding towns to attend classes and clinicals, often spending much of the week away from home. Hardiness, pulling from within to overcome any odds and getting by with whatever is available, is seen in the student population. Campus resources are scarce. Partnerships with community groups and leaders enable students to access services readily found on traditional campuses. This important element of community is what makes the nursing program such a unique product that is shared and owned by the people of central South Dakota.