Submitted Photo Minot State University Department of Nursing faculty and students present at North Dakota University System Legislative Showcase held in Memorial Hall at the North Dakota State Capitol Tuesday, Jan. 21. Pictured at the Minot State University booth is MSU Department of Nursing Professor Richelle Johnson, Emma Cornejo, April Lawrence, Raygen Lee, Hannah Hagen and MSU Department of Nursing Professor and Chair Amy Lee.

BISMARCK – The Minot State University Department of Nursing participated in the North Dakota University System Legislative Showcase held in Memorial Hall at the North Dakota State Capitol on Jan. 21.

MSU nursing students and professors joined Minot State marketing and university communications at the bi-annual event, visiting with legislators and other guests at the Capitol about news and initiatives within the university and nursing department, according to an MSU news relesae.

During the session, the Legislative Showcase serves as an opportunity for institutions within the North Dakota University System (NDUS) to highlight their programs and achievements. This year’s theme focused on healthcare, the release stated.

Representing Minot State University Department of Nursing were Chair Amy Lee and Professor Richelle Johnson, students Hannah Hagen, April Lawrence, Raygen Lee, Emma Cornejo, along with MSU Marketing Director Cole Krueger, and Director of University Communications Michael Linnell.

The students engaged with state officials, offering firsthand insight into nursing education and its importance of investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals.

“This event is a great opportunity to showcase hardworking students in our thriving nursing program,” Krueger said in the release.

The showcase provided students with a platform to share their personal experiences in the program and advocate for the importance of nursing in healthcare.

“Being allowed the opportunity to express the importance of nursing in health care to public officials was such a rewarding experience,” said Hagen in the reelase. “The stories we shared were valued, and — as a nursing student — I felt seen and heard.”

“Getting the opportunity to talk to elected officials about the importance of nursing education and to tell them about how we are given amazing opportunities to learn from some of the best nurses around was very gratifying,” Lawrence added. “There were so many supporters of nursing in the House and Senate. It really gave us the opportunity to share our love of nursing with those outside the healthcare field.”

The event featured displays and individuals from all 11 NDUS campuses, the state’s Medical School at the University of North Dakota, and the North Dakota University System office. Minot State featured two advanced simulation units — infant and toddler simulation manikins — and discussed key points, including their experience at Minot State, work with various simulators in the department, and new guaranteed admission agreements with Dakota College at Bottineau and Lake Region State College.