Presentation College Nursing Student Receives State Award

Michele Thorpe, a Senior Nursing student at Presentation College, has been named an Outstanding Student Nurse of South Dakota by the Nursing Student Association.  The announcement was made at the Nursing Student Association Convention in Brookings on Saturday, February 24. 

 Nine candidates from nursing schools across South Dakota were nominated for the award.  Michele shares the honor with a nursing student from South Dakota State University in Brookings.

 Originally from Wisconsin, Michele now resides in Ellendale, North Dakota with her husband Matt and children Kyle and Alexius.  In addition to pursuing her BSN at Presentation, Thorpe works at Avera Clinic in Ellendale as a receptionist and as a CNA for Prince of Peace Care Center in Ellendale.  Michele also serves as an EMT-Basic for Ellendale Ambulance.

 Michele has returned to school as a non-traditional student to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in nursing.  “Being the oldest of 10 children, caring for people is in my blood.  I’ve always wanted to be a nurse.  My family and employer encouraged me to go back to school and fulfill this dream,” says Thorpe.

 The Association recognizes students who demonstrate scholastic excellence combined with professional acumen and responsibility.

 “Michele is an excellent student and person.  Her life experiences have really made her who she is,” said Dr. Margie Washnok, Professor of Nursing at Presentation College.  “The quality of care she gives demonstrates her concern for the whole person.”

 Michele teaches CPR in Ellendale and has started a program that has brought CPR training into the schools.  By May all students and faculty at Ellendale High School will be certified in CPR. 

 During the last three years, Thorpe has also done presentations on “Denial of Pregnancy” for the OB-Pediatrics class at Presentation College.  Michele is active in Presentation College Nursing Students Association and serves as the organization’s Parliamentarian.  She also volunteers teaching high school religion classes at her church.

 Michele has found her experience at Presentation College to be a rewarding one.  “The instructors here are really good.  Their doors are always open and you have opportunities for one-to-one experiences with faculty,” she says.  “The Catholic-Christian environment is really special.”

 Following graduation this May, Michele will work as a Medical and Surgical Nurse at Avera St. Luke’s.  Thorpe will eventually transfer to Emergency Care, an area for which she has a deep passion.   Says Michele, “As a nurse I look forward to being able to share my compassion, education and life experience with those in need.”