University of Mary Nursing

09/15/2026

Today marked the start of Healthcare Simulation Week, and our students in Adult Health II dove right in with a hands-on CODE orientation. Students rotated through key skills they’ll need for their upcoming CODE simulation, including:
✅ Practicing high-quality chest compressions
✅ Learning and practicing the critical coaching role during CPR
✅ Reviewing heart rhythms
✅ Practicing defibrillator use
✅ Reviewing the contents of the crash cart

Simulation-based learning like this gives our students the chance to build confidence and muscle memory in a safe, supportive learning environment.

Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate Healthcare Simulation Week in our Warren Nursing Simulation Center.

09/10/2026

Congratulations to the students that took part in our Nursing Commitment Ceremony this evening! Our Commitment Ceremony is a pivotal step in each student’s journey to becoming a competent nursing professional. 💙🧡

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

Today our students stepped into the shoes of the older adults they’ll one day care for and serve. Through our Adaptive Simulation, learners experienced firsthand what it feels like to navigate daily life with hemiplegia, tremors, arthritis, hearing and vision loss, and cognitive impairment.

By simulating these conditions, students gained a deeper, more compassionate understanding of the physical and emotional challenges that often accompany aging, providing insights that no textbook alone can teach. This kind of empathy-building experience is at the heart of what makes a truly great caregiver, clinician, and advocate.

As you enjoy this glimpse into this rewarding simulation experience, we hope you will join us as we celebrate our students’ dedication to their future careers as nurses. Our Commitment Ceremony begins at 5pm and will be live-streamed on Facebook.

09/06/2026

And just like that… the journey begins!

UMary Nursing faculty were proud to don our regalia for yesterday’s Wheat Ceremony, and welcome the newest members of the university family, our incoming freshman class! 💙

Our very own Sarah Berreth, MSN, RN was the University of Mary Regents Award recipient last spring and offered beautiful words of wisdom during the ceremony.

A new class. A new adventure. So much potential ahead! We can’t wait to watch these students learn, grow, serve, and flourish into the young men and women they are called to be.

Welcome freshman! We’re so glad you’re here! 💙

08/29/2026

🔶🔷Meet a Mary Nurse🔷🔶
Chelsea Thurm was born and raised in Huron, South Dakota, and currently resides in Le Mars, Iowa. She attended Northwestern College in Orange City, IA, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2024. She began her nursing career at Sanford Health in Bismarck, ND, in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. She became Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support certified during her employment there. In March of 2025, Chelsea received an excellence award nomination from the legal representative of the risk management department for standing up for patient safety in the workplace. Chelsea is currently employed at the Dunes Surgical Hospital in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, working in their preoperative, post-anesthesia, and step-down units. Chelsea is anticipated to graduate in May of 2027 from the University of Mary with a Master of Science in Nursing Education degree. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys participating in a praise band at church and going on bike rides with her husband.

08/22/2026

🔶🔷Meet a Mary Nurse🔷🔶
Cody Smith was raised in West Fargo, North Dakota, and currently resides in Moorhead, Minnesota. Cody began his career as a professional firefighter for Sioux Falls Fire Rescue in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. While working as a full-time firefighter, he attended the University of South Dakota, earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2020. After earning his nursing degree, he and his family moved to Moorhead, MN, where he began working at Sanford Health. Cody’s nursing experience was through the Intensive Care Unit and Cath Lab, where he specialized in Interventional Cardiology, Electrophysiology, Neurovascular Intervention, and Interventional Radiology. He has also traveled and worked at multiple facilities in the Midwest as a Cath Lab nurse. Cody has earned his certification as a Critical Care Registered Nurse. In late 2023, he returned to Sanford Medical Center Fargo, where he is currently employed in the Cath Lab. Cody’s anticipated graduation with a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Mary is in May 2028. Cody’s free time is spent with his wife and three boys; they are an active family, either playing sports or engaging in outdoor activities.

08/15/2026

🕯️ Carrying the Light Forward 🕯️
A beautiful moment from our August 2026 BSN Pinning Ceremony at the University of Mary. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, and loved ones, our graduates gathered in the chapel with their Nightingale lamps lit, a timeless symbol of the light, compassion, knowledge, and service they now carry into the nursing profession.
As they leave the classroom and begin this next chapter, may they continue to let their light shine through every patient they serve, every family they comfort, and every life they touch.
Congratulations to the August 2026 BSN graduates! 💙 We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to all the ways you will make a difference in the world of nursing.
Go forth and let your light shine! ✨

08/14/2026

🔶🔷Soon to be BSN, RN 🔷🔶
🎉👏
Help us cheer Mary Nurse, Jessie Pham, as she wraps up her final semester of study. Enjoy her small sentiment as she prepares for her upcoming preceptorship and subsequent BSN degree conferral!

08/14/2026

🔶🔷Meet a Mary Nurse🔷🔶
Briana Olson was born in Hettinger, ND, and raised in Scranton, ND, where she currently resides. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from North Dakota State University in 2023, graduating summa cm laude. Following school, Briana began her nursing career in the Intensive Care Unit, where she developed strong critical thinking skills caring for high-acuity patients. She transitioned to West River Health Services, a critical access hospital, in Hettinger, ND. In this role, Briana works in both the Emergency Department and Medical/Surgical unit as a charge nurse. Briana is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Mary with an expected graduation date of May 2028. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, dog, family, and friends.