Like many areas across America, South Dakota needs nurses. With a well-documented shortage in the field, university leaders are trying to assess what the state can do to help fill that gap.
South Dakota State and Black Hills State Universities are teaming up to create a new nursing education space at the Rapid City BHSU campus. This space includes new classrooms, labs and simulation programs.
During a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, Board of Regents president Tim Rave said there’s no silver bullet to the nursing shortage, but there are steps the area can take.
“We know the demand for nurses, allied health professionals and other providers is constantly growing and not going away," Rave said. "Meeting that demand requires innovative partnerships.
Black Hills State University provost Pam Carriveau said the two universities will create better health care providers while working together.
“This collaboration allows us to share resources, expertise, and innovative practices so that students benefit from the strengths of both institutions," Carriveau said. "Most importantly, it reflects our shared commitment to placing students at the center of everything we do.”
Monument Health leaders add the new facility will address the local need for health care workers on the western side of the state.
Over 70 students will have access to the Rapid City resources per semester.