St. Ambrose University celebrates first Nano Nagle online nursing graduates

DAVENPORT, IOWA (December 21, 2023) - St. Ambrose University proudly celebrated 19 graduates from the Nano Nagle Online School of Nursing at a commencement ceremony on Saturday, December 16, 2023.

These are the first graduates from the program that launched in Fall 2023, offering flexible, remote learning opportunities for working healthcare professionals. The LPN to BSN and RN to BSN tracks are designed for healthcare professionals who wish to advance their careers in nursing without leaving the workforce. Gaosheng Yang '23, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, offered remarks on behalf of her online nursing cohort at a nursing pinning ceremony on Friday, December 15, 2023. Brenda McGill '23, Albia, Iowa, offered the invocation. Three online nursing students were also inducted into SIGMA, the nursing honor society. They are Ashli Christopherson '23, Zumbrota, Minnesota, Alicia Dale '23, Midland, South Dakota, and McGill.

The nursing graduates currently work for a variety of healthcare providers including Avera Health locations in South Dakota and Minnesota. Specialties include long term care, surgical care, dermatology, cardiac and orthopedics.

"The Nano Nagle Online School of Nursing represents an opportunity for current nurses to advance their professional skills and positively impact the healthcare services that are available in their communities," said Lynn Kilburg, Dean of the College of Health and Human Services. "This program is an accessible and affordable way to make a difference in rural areas hit hard by the nursing shortage."

St. Ambrose University created the Nano Nagle Online School of Nursing to give nurses the opportunity to earn while they learn. It was initially built on the legacy of the Catholic nursing education program at Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The school is named after Venerable Honora "Nano" Nagle, founder of the Presentation Sisters who sponsored Presentation College.

"We are grateful to carry on the legacy of the Presentation Sisters through the Nano Nagle Online School of Nursing," said Dr. Amy Novak, St. Ambrose University President. "We are excited by the way this program opens pathways for learners who may be place-bound across rural America or who are simply not able to attend college in the traditional way. The Sisters' vision is leaving an indelible mark on healthcare across rural America, both in South Dakota and beyond."

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing.

Read about one of our Nano Nagle Online School of Nursing graduates.