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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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! 💙🐰

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. 🐰💙

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. 💙🐰