Taking Advantage of All Mount Marty Nursing has to Offer

"The Mount Marty nursing program is well known for producing well-rounded nurses, and I knew that I wanted to attend a university that would support me not only academically but spiritually as well," said Ella Ray, who is graduating with her bachelor's degree this May. 

Ray knew she wanted to be a nurse after watching her family care for patients and their families while working at the Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. "I was so fascinated by witnessing what they do for not only the patients but also the loved ones of the patients. I knew that I wanted to make an impact in the lives of each patient and truly care for the families that are impacted by the disease processes as well." This passion led Ray to Mount Marty, where she knew she could attain a unique education because of its mission and one-on-one interactions with professors. 

In Ray's junior year of nursing school, she accepted an internship with Avera McKennan Hospital on the orthopedic trauma floor. She enjoyed the staff and patients she encountered and expanded her knowledge and skillset to provide quality care as a nurse. She has since accepted a full-time position on the orthopedic trauma floor when she graduates. She is thankful to the Mount Marty nursing faculty for growing her confidence and expertise. "All of the nursing staff at Mount Marty have led me to feel confident in my decision to pursue nursing as a career. I believe that Mount Marty offers many different opportunities and clinical experiences that aren't available to everyone, allowing us to see the different opportunities available to us as nurses. I feel that I have been well prepared by all the staff to feel confident in my next steps after nursing school."

Ray is also grateful for the Avera Nursing Advantage, which was announced in October 2024 and aims to provide an affordable pathway into nursing. The program names Mount Marty as a preferred educator of future Avera nurses, recognizing the long history of collaboration between the two Catholic ministries and their relationship with the Benedictine Sisters of Yankton, and provides junior and senior nursing students at Mount Marty with a generous sponsorship and ability to work within the Avera Health System after earning their bachelor's degree in nursing. "From this scholarship, I have been provided an opportunity to grow as a future nurse with less of a financial burden. I will be able to work in an environment that supports me as a whole and my spiritual beliefs. We can work without the financial stress of student loans and truly enjoy the work we do and the high-quality care we provide for others."

The Mount Marty core values and Benedictine hallmarks have been ingrained in Ray and will shine through in her patient care. She believes the university has helped her grow spiritually and is excited to showcase her Catholic values, especially hospitality, in her nursing practice. "While pursuing my degree as a registered nurse through Mount Marty, I have been given the opportunity to learn from the wonderful nurses of Avera. During my time at Avera, it became clear to me that the Avera nurses have special qualities that I knew I wanted to be instilled into me as a young nurse. I knew that with this [Avera Nursing Advantage] partnership, I would be able to instill the Catholic values of both Avera and Mount Marty to make the most positive impact on the health and lives of our patients and provide the best possible care we can."

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About Mount Marty University

Founded in 1936 by the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, Mount Marty University is South Dakota's only Catholic, Benedictine institution of higher education. Located along the bluffs of the Missouri River in Yankton, with additional locations in Watertown and Sioux Falls, Mount Marty offers undergraduate and graduate degrees focusing on student and alumni success in high-demand fields such as health sciences, education, criminal justice, business, accounting, recreation management, and more. A community of learners in the Benedictine tradition, Mount Marty emphasizes academic excellence and develops well-rounded students with intellectual competence, professional and personal skills and moral, spiritual and social values. To learn more, visit mountmarty.edu.