CONSSIE: College of Nursing Student Success in Education

sdstateconssie

Welcome to CONSSIE, a podcast for nursing students at South Dakota State University. This podcast is a student-centered guide for thriving in the nursing program! Each episode dives into practical strategies and inspirational stories from nursing students who’ve navigated the challenges of rigorous coursework, clinical rotations, and balancing life outside the classroom. From overcoming barriers like time management and test anxiety to mastering skills like critical thinking and prioritization, we cover it all. Whether you’re just starting or deep into your journey, this podcast provides the tips, insights, and encouragement you need to succeed. Tune in for candid conversations, actionable advice, and a supportive community that understands what it takes to excel in nursing school and beyond.

Episodes

  1. Oct 16

    Episode 9: GUIDE-RNS; Beyond the Bedside: Growing Nurses, Strengthening Rural Communities

    What does it take to make a difference in rural healthcare? 🌾🩺 In this episode of the CONSSIE Podcast, SDSU College of Nursing educators Amanda Mehlhaff and Allyson Stromer introduce the GUIDE-RNs program (Growing Underserved Communities through Innovation, Development, and Education for Registered Nurses and Students). Join us as we explore how this innovative program is preparing future nurses to address healthcare disparities, understand social determinants of health, and improve access to care in rural and underserved communities. From immersive simulations and virtual reality to hands-on clinical experiences and mentorship, discover how GUIDE-RNs is connecting classroom learning to real-world nursing practice. We'll also discuss the importance of empathy, patient advocacy, clinical judgment, and recognizing the challenges patients face beyond their medical diagnoses. Plus, learn how nursing students can benefit from specialized experiences, professional development, and financial stipends while helping strengthen South Dakota's nursing workforce. Whether you dream of practicing in a rural community or a large hospital, this episode reminds us that great nursing goes beyond treating illness—it's about understanding people, removing barriers, and making a lasting impact. 🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and discover how YOU can be part of the future of rural healthcare! Go Jacks! 💙💛   The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided financial support for this publication. The award provided 0.003% of total costs and totaled $1M. The contents are those of the author. They may not reflect the policies of HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

  2. Mar 17

    Episode 8: Nontraditional and Unstoppable

    In this episode of CONSSIE, Amanda and Megan welcome a diverse group of non-traditional nursing students from Brookings, Sioux Falls, and Rapid City to share what it looks like to pursue nursing at a different stage of life. From second careers in law enforcement, military service, and laboratory work to returning to school after raising children or completing another degree, these students offer honest insight into what led them to SDSU and why now was the right time to follow their calling. Listeners will hear real conversations about accelerated versus standard program choices, financial and family considerations, time management, and the experience of joining a nursing cohort when you are not the “typical” college student. The group also reflects on the strengths non-traditional students bring to the classroom and clinical setting, including life experience, communication skills, confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose. This episode is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to become a nurse. Whether you are returning to school after many years, considering a career change, or wondering if you still belong in higher education, this conversation offers encouragement, practical insight, and proof that nursing is possible at any stage of life.

  3. Mar 10

    Episode 7: Nursing School and....Kids??

    In this episode of CONSSIE, we explore what it really looks like to balance parenthood and nursing school. Students from both the standard and accelerated nursing programs share their honest experiences of raising children while managing classes, clinicals, studying, and the everyday demands of family life. Listeners will hear from parents of toddlers, teens, and even a soon to be new baby as they reflect on time management, childcare challenges, mom and dad guilt, support systems, and the motivation that keeps them going on the hardest days. This conversation highlights the reality that nursing school is demanding, but it is also possible with planning, persistence, and a strong village. From daycare schedules and sick kids to Quizlet study sessions and support from classmates, this episode offers encouragement, practical strategies, and a powerful reminder that being a parent can strengthen resilience, empathy, and purpose in nursing education. Whether you are already parenting, expecting, or simply trying to understand the experiences of student parents, this episode is full of insight, honesty, and hope.

  4. Mar 3

    Episode 6: What to Expect When You Are Expecting...in Nursing School?

    In this CONSSIE episode, we spotlight motherhood in nursing school and the real day to day logistics of juggling pregnancy, parenting, and a rigorous BSN program. Ashley (semester four) and Aspen (semester five) share their timelines, what helped them stay on track, and how they managed clinicals, exams, and studying with babies and young children at home. You will hear honest reflections on early communication with faculty, leaning on a support system, navigating childcare and sick days, and building routines that protect both family time and academic success. Ashley and Aspen also describe how becoming a parent shaped their perspective in patient care, especially in mother baby settings, and how their experience strengthened empathy, education skills, and confidence in clinical practice. If you are pregnant, parenting, or considering nursing school while raising a family, this episode offers reassurance, practical strategies, and a reminder that with planning, support, and self-compassion, it is absolutely possible to thrive in the program.

  5. Jan 26

    Episode 5: Native American Nursing Education Center (NANEC)

    In this episode of CONSSIE College of Nursing Student Success in Education, we gather for an honest and heartfelt conversation with students and mentors from the Native American Nursing Education Center at South Dakota State University in Rapid City. What begins as a natural, unscripted discussion becomes a powerful reflection on what it means to feel seen, supported, and grounded while navigating nursing school. Students share their lived experiences balancing culture and coursework, overcoming financial and academic barriers, commuting long distances, and finding strength through mentorship and community. Listeners will learn about the history and mission of NANEC, the lasting legacy of its founder Bev Warne, and how cultural values such as humility, respect, generosity, and wisdom are woven into student success. From late night study sessions and scholarship support to star quilt ceremonies and shared laughter, this episode highlights how belonging transforms the nursing education experience. This conversation is filled with warmth, resilience, humor, and heart. Whether you are a current nursing student, considering nursing school, or interested in how culturally responsive support shapes future nurses, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and hope.

  6. Jan 26

    Episode 4: Overcoming Mental Health Challenges

    In this powerful episode of CONSSIE: College of Nursing Student Success in Education, students from across South Dakota State University’s College of Nursing get candid about the mental health challenges they’ve faced and the strategies that have helped them build resilience. Hosted by Student Success Coaches Amanda and Megan, this episode features voices from Rapid City and Brookings sharing personal experiences with anxiety, ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, test-taking stress, medication changes, therapy, and everything in between. From failed exams to finding the right therapist, from burnout to bouncing back. This is the real stuff nursing students need to hear. ✨ You’ll also hear: How students learned to advocate for themselves What campus mental health resources are available Self-care routines and sleep hacks that actually work Why reaching out early can change everything And how building community makes all the difference Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or just want to know you’re not alone, this episode offers comfort, advice, and honest stories to help you succeed not just academically, but emotionally. 💙 You're not alone. We see you. We support you. And we're cheering you on.

  7. Jan 26

    Episode 3: Student Athletes and Nursing

    Being a nursing student is tough. Being a Division I athlete is also tough. Doing both at the same time? That's next level. In this energizing and honest episode of the CONSSIE Podcast, host Megan Veldkamp chats with two recent SDSU nursing grads and standout student-athletes, Olivia Taggart (swim) and Mesa Byom (basketball). They dive into what it’s really like to juggle practices, games, clinicals, exams, and still make it to graduation. Tune in to hear: How they scheduled their lives down to the minute (and still forgot to sleep) What helped them push through mental and physical burnout Tips for other students balancing sports, school, and sanity And yes, how many planners is too many planners? Whether you’re a future nurse, a current athlete, or just someone who loves a good underdog story—this episode will inspire you to keep grinding, stay organized, and never be afraid to ask for help. Let’s go, Jacks! 💙🐰

  8. Jan 26

    Episode 2: Full Send! A General Overview of Nursing School

    Welcome to Episode 2 of CONSSIE, your go-to student success podcast brought to you by the College of Nursing at South Dakota State University! Whether you’re nursing-curious, newly admitted, or knee-deep in care plans and caffeine, this episode is for you. Join our host and three fantastic SDSU nursing students as they share their unexpected journeys into nursing, spill the real tea on how nursing school is different from prereqs, and offer tips that range from “get a planner” to “don’t underestimate the power of a good road trip to Canby at 4:30 AM.” You’ll laugh, relate, and probably feel a little more ready to tackle simulation lab, NCLEX-style exams, and all things nursing. Plus, you’ll get the inside scoop on what makes each SDSU nursing sites a uniquely awesome place to learn. This episode is packed with honesty, encouragement, and just the right dose of Jackrabbit pride. 🐰💙

  9. Jan 26

    Episode 1: An Introduction to CONSSIE and Student Success

    Join your Student Success Coaches, Amanda from Rapid City and Megan from Brookings, as they introduce the CONSSIE podcast at South Dakota State University’s College of Nursing. This kickoff episode covers what you can expect from future episodes, including candid conversations with current students navigating everything from mental health to military service, student-athlete life, parenting, and more. Learn about the unique structure of SDSU’s nursing program across Brookings, Sioux Falls, and Rapid City (including accelerated vs. standard tracks), simulation center highlights, and the role of student success coaches. We also discuss common challenges students face in their first semester, test-taking tips, stress management, and why reaching out early makes all the difference. Whether you're just beginning your journey or are halfway to graduation, this episode reminds you: you’re not alone, and we’re here to support your success every step of the way. 💙🐰

  • 9 Episodes

About

Welcome to CONSSIE, a podcast for nursing students at South Dakota State University. This podcast is a student-centered guide for thriving in the nursing program! Each episode dives into practical strategies and inspirational stories from nursing students who’ve navigated the challenges of rigorous coursework, clinical rotations, and balancing life outside the classroom. From overcoming barriers like time management and test anxiety to mastering skills like critical thinking and prioritization, we cover it all. Whether you’re just starting or deep into your journey, this podcast provides the tips, insights, and encouragement you need to succeed. Tune in for candid conversations, actionable advice, and a supportive community that understands what it takes to excel in nursing school and beyond.

Information