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“Growing Our Own – Registered Nurses” Distance Learning Program

The Program

• Began in 2003 as a way for staff members of the Good Samaritan Society and other contracted healthcare organizations to access nursing education
• Program allows for part-time or full-time employment in a healthcare environment while pursuing nursing education
• Results in an Associate of Science degree in Nursing, awarded by The University of South Dakota
• Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing available starting Fall 2011
• Combines on-line coursework, hands-on skills labs, in-hospital clinical experiences, and employment in a healthcare environment

The Partners

• The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society is the nation’s largest not-for-profit provider of senior care and services in 240 locations across the country; serving nearly 27,000 residents and employing more than 21,000 employees
• The University of South Dakota is a comprehensive public university.  The USD Nursing program has been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commissions since 1975 and holds the prestigious designation as a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence in Nursing Education since 2004.
• Additional partnering healthcare organizations are being added to the program

Compass Point’s Partnership Role

• Assist military veterans and/or eligible spouses, ONLY, pursue the employment and educational opportunities that the “Growing Our Own – Registered Nurses” Program has to offer
• Initial employment assistance through Compass Point
• Exploration of available relocation options through Compass Point
• Individual assistance through Compass Point to identify military and other funding benefits to offset program costs

Benefits of The “Growing Our Own – Registered Nurses” Program

• Employment in a participating healthcare facility for qualified candidates
• Classes offered on a part-time basis, allowing for participants to “earn while they learn”
• Online learning offers flexibility for employed students
• Nursing program is structured to be sensitive to the needs of the employed student
• No long waiting list for Nursing program admission
• Participating facilities encourage employment with them after participants earn RN licensure

Department of Labor (DOL) Grant Award

• Enables Compass Point to expand the “Growing Our Own – Registered Nurses” Program to eligible veterans and their eligible spouses EXCLUSIVELY
• Provides incentives for eligible candidates willing to commute or relocate into RURAL communities in 5 (five) states: Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, New Mexico and South Dakota
• Addresses the increased need for skilled healthcare providers in RURAL areas

Additional Information

Program Information

FAQ - Growing Our Own

Work College Career

Brochure

“Starter Packet"

A Candidate Document Check List

B Candidate Process Letter

CP100 Distance Learning Candidate Questionnaire Packet

CP110 Reference For Candidates

CP120 Reference Check and Authorization

CP140 General Voluntary Release of Information

UT150 Online Learning Self Assessment Survey

CP160 Grand Data Sheet