Nursing Students' Association of North Dakota - NSAND

NSNA supports the Foundation of NSNA’s position on the U.S. DOE Nursing Reclassification.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/5EiKKHp

Calling all North Dakota nursing students! 💉👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️
Get ready for the 2026 NSAND Conference: Breaking Down Barriers — two days of learning, networking, and inspiration!
📅 January 30–31, 2026
📍 Holiday Inn, Fargo, ND
✨ CEUs available!

Register today at www.nsand.org or use the QR code on the flyer.
Let’s grow together as the future of nursing! 💙

Hey there! 👋

It’s Nurses Week, and NSAND is sending major love to all the incredible nurses out there, especially our amazing students who are putting in the work day after day, with equal parts brain power and heart.

To every nursing student grinding through those clinicals, cramming for exams, and sometimes wondering “will this ever get easier?”—we see you. Those late nights studying, those moments of doubt, those small victories when a patient smiles at you... it all matters. You’re not just future nurses; you’re already making a difference.

Who’s that nursing student or mentor in your life who keeps showing up even when it’s tough?
Maybe it’s your study buddy who brings coffee during all-nighters?
That one clinical instructor who believes in you more than you believe in yourself?
Or is it that experienced nurse who takes time to explain procedures when everyone else is rushing?
Tag them below—let’s spread some appreciation!

Good morning! My name is April Lawrence, and I’m doing today’s social media takeover (follow our stories today). I am currently in my second semester (junior year) of the nursing program at Minot State University. I serve on the NSAND board as the secretary.

I was born and raised in upstate NY in the small town of Johnson City. I grew up as the oldest of 5 children, and my youngest sibling and I are 18 years apart. I moved to Minot in February of 2023 with my husband and 2 boys (ages 15 and 8) when my husband got stationed at Minot Air Force Base. Before living in North Dakota, we live in Japan just outside of Tokyo, New Jersey, Delaware, and North Carolina.

I am a non-traditional student, as you can probably tell by the fact that I am married and have 2 kids, one of which will start college in the next few years. I am also class mom to my 22 classmates lol! Being in nursing school, being a mom, and working is always a fun and interesting challenge, especially because my husband travels a lot with his job.

I joined the NSAND board because I wanted the opportunity not only to be able to network with other nursing students and professionals across the state, but also grow my leadership skills as well. I also am involved in my local NSA, where I serve as one of the Breakthrough to Nursing directors. That is pretty fun because I get to go out into the community and talk to high school students about MSUs amazing nursing program as well as about becoming a nurse.

When I graduate, as of right now, my goal is to work in emergency/trauma medicine because I really like the idea of something new and challenging each day. I have worked in the past as an EMT and that is where my passion for emergency medicine started. With that being said, I am also keeping an open mind as I work through my clinical experiences because I might find a passion elsewhere.

A fun fact about me is that when I lived in Japan, I helped create, and played on a roller derby team. It is probably one of the most fun hobbies I have ever had, and when I live closer to a team again, I do plan on picking that hobby back up.

Hello everyone:)

My name is Shanté Rust and I am the one behind the social media take over for today. I am currently a senior nursing student at Minot state university. I serve as the Director of breakthrough to nursing.
I was born and raised here in Minot! I joined the NSAND board because I’m passionate about leadership and making a positive impact in the nursing community. Being involved at this level gives me the opportunity to advocate for fellow students, help strengthen the future of nursing in our state, and connect with others who share the same dedication to this profession. I believe in the power of collaboration and want to be a voice that helps guide and support others!
I discovered my love for nursing in the ICU, where compassion meets urgency and every moment matters. Surrounded by strength, vulnerability, and incredible care. Thank you for letting me share my day with you! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask:)

Hi everyone!! My name is Lexi Scholz, I am doing this week’s social media takeover. I am currently a senior nursing student at Minot State University. I serve as the 2nd VP on the NSAND board.

I was born and raised in Colorado and moved to Minot in 2021. My family has been a huge part in my education thus far, their love and support has been such a blessing. My fiancé has been such a rock for me and I’m very lucky to have his support as well. We got our dog last year, his name is Kota, he is a yellow lab, and he is my absolute best friend.

Over the last two years I have found my love for the mom/baby unit and the NICU. Our goal is to move home after graduation and my plan and dream is to land a job at Children’s hospital in Colorado in the Postpartum unit, and someday the NICU.

I ran for this position because I feel like I can contribute my time into being a good leader, advocate, student, and peer. I currently serve as the treasurer for the Minot State NSA Chapter, and I wanted to expand that to the state level to become more involved, learn more about education, and open the door for more opportunities!!! I highly encourage everyone to join their local chapter and/or the state board!!

Hello everyone!! My name is Wynn Russek and I have been doing the social media takeover today!! I am a first-semester Junior in the Nursing Academy at the University of Mary. I serve as the 1st Vice President on the NSAND board!

I joined the board because I wanted to make more connections with fellow nursing students and grow in leadership experience! I am so excited for our next convention, where I get to connect with even more students from ND!

I was born and raised in Delano, MN. I am a traveler at heart, always drawn to both the mountains and the ocean. I come from a close-knit family with four brothers and three adorable nephews! I have had work experience as a CNA in the Operating Room at Sanford, and will be stepping into the role of Intern on the Oncology floor staring in May!

I have always been passionate about working with children and families, which has inspired me to pursue a career in Pediatric Oncology. I will be working at Sanford in Bismarck for three years after graduation, and after that, who knows what life will throw at me!

Fun but weird fact about me: I love the combination of sea salt + vinegar chips and Nutella (don’t knock it until you try it!)

We're thrilled to announce a giveaway! Thanks to Gate City Bank & Heart River Health Care for sponsoring. To enter, follow, like, and tag 3 friends. Giveaway ends this Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Good luck!

Nursing students prepare to make a lasting impact in healthcare Roughly 200 future nurses and educators attended the annual Nursing Students' Association of North Dakota conference, which has become a place for aspiring nurses to do even more for the community.

A huge thank you to our speakers, sponsors, and donors for their incredible support! We appreciate you!

Now introducing the NSAND board members of 2025-2026! Thank you to the 2024-2025 board members for all your hard work!