Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Dakota - SD

By Lindsay Maddox, allied health world contributing writer
Published: March, 20 2011

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In South Dakota, nurse practitioners are advance practice nurses who may perform medial functions in shared agreement with doctors. Before becoming a nurse practitioner, you must first be licensed as a registered nurse by completing a board-approved, accredited program. Psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in South Dakota provide the skills a potential nurse practitioner needs to effectively perform his or her job duties. All advance practice nurses are expected to be proficient in condition assessment, intervention planning and able to handle case management and health education duties.

Some psychiatric nurse practitioners work in hospitals, while others work in private clinics and nursing homes. In fact, many psychiatric nurse practitioners in South Dakota are employed by or work in conjunction with facilities such as Sanford USD Medical Center, Rapid City Regional Hospital, Avera Saint Luke's Hospital and Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center.

It is important for a nurse practitioner to have depth of knowledge of all the body’s systems, disease processes, preventative care and pharmacology. An NP must also keep current with research-based diagnostics and therapies. Resources abound for NPs, both through the South Dakota Board of Nursing and the Nurse Practitioner Association of South Dakota, as well as national affiliations such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

At least twice a month, South Dakota’s nurse practitioners are expected to have face-to-face contact with a cooperating physician. Much of the time, however, a nurse practitioner is able to take on the role of the primary care physician, particularly in undeserved areas.