Professor Guides Development of New BS in Nursing

Carol Roth knew at the age of four she wanted to be a nurse. Today, her nursing practice spans 38 years in public health, long-term care, hospital, rehabilitation, private nursing and nursing education. She was the perfect linchpin to bring MSU Moorhead’s new bachelor of science of nursing to fruition.

Associate professor Roth teaches in the RN to BSN program and precepts and mentors graduate students in the M.S. in nursing – nurse educator track. She is also co-chair of MSUM’s School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership.

She enjoys inspiring students to have a passion for the nursing profession and transforming the future of healthcare. MSUM has prepared nurses for more than 40 years through its RN to BSN and its graduate nursing program.

The nursing faculty bring rich backgrounds and experiences to the new program, Roth said. Two new nursing faculty will join the team in August as well as an advisor for the nursing program.

“Many of our faculty are doctorally prepared. Several continue their nursing practice in addition to teaching,” Roth said.

“A unique attribute of our BS in nursing is our partnership with the Minnesota Alliance of Nursing Education,” Roth said. “It’s a rich and rewarding experience to work with educators from other colleges.” 

She says the new state of the art simulation lab with augmented and virtual reality sets the university apart from other programs. “MSUM is large enough to offer vast student life opportunities yet small enough for faculty and advisors to know the students,” she said.

What’s the key to being a successful nurse?

“In addition to being caring individuals, they have to be critical thinkers who can think and act quickly on their feet,” Roth said.

She says the profession is very transportable. Nurses can practice anywhere in most any setting. Most opportunities offer flexibility for part- or full-time work. It’s also easy to stop in and out, depending on family circumstances.

“It’s a real privilege to have been a nurse over three decades and an honor to be a part of people’s lives,” Roth said. “I can’t think of a profession that you get that opportunity, the way that nurses do.”

She offers this advice for students interested in a nursing career: “You have to have an aptitude for science. You have to care about people, humanity and health disparities. The Coronavirus pandemic makes it clear that nursing requires a global perspective and mindset.”