Wicozani: A Place of Health and Balance - Project Title: Wicozani: A Place of Health and Balance
Applicant Organization: South Dakota State University College of Nursing
Address: Box 2275 SDSU College of Nursing, Brookings, SD 57007
Project Director: Dr. Tiara Ruff, DNP, RN
Contact Phone: 605-394-2884
Email: tiara.ruff@sdstate.edu
Project Overview: The need for AI/AN nurses to provide culturally-congruent care in SD communities both on and off the reservation is tremendous. As the only university that trains nurse practitioners at both the doctoral level, with the largest baccalaureate nursing degree program in SD, and with program sites across the state, the College of Nursing (CON) at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is committed to increasing diversity in the profession by increasing the recruitment, retention and success of AI/AN nursing students.
Project Purpose: To recruit, retain, and graduate both AI/AN RNs and nurse practitioners (NPs) to increase the number of AI/AN nurses available to deliver healthcare services to AI/AN communities in SD and the region.
Target Population: Enrolled tribal members (eligible to claim Indian preference) from the Great Plains Indian Health Service (IHS) area pursuing baccalaureate or baccalaureate completion education, or pursuing or doctor of nursing practice education with a nurse practitioner focus and committed to serving in an Indian Health Services facility after graduation.
Project Objectives: Project objectives are to:
1. Conduct recruitment activities that (a) encourage AI/AN individuals, including veterans and associate degree (AD) RNs and second degree students, to pursue a baccalaureate degree in nursing or (b) encourage practicing RNs to pursue advanced nursing education as NPs;
2. Employ retention activities, including scholarships and stipends for education and living expenses, mentoring, and culturally-relevant support services, that facilitate AI/AN student success and graduation; and
3. Continual evaluation of nursing student services, curriculum, and advising to ensure that AI/AN RN students and advanced practice RN students are prepared and placed to provide healthcare services to AI/AN communities, including fulfillment of scholarship program service obligations.
