Gifts made to the Mayville State University Foundation through the efforts of Giving Hearts Day on Thursday, Feb. 9 will support general needs of the RN-to-BSN program at Mayville State University. This is an opportunity for donors to help make a difference in the need for nursing professionals in the local area, as well as the state of North Dakota and beyond. Donations may be made online at www.impactgiveback.org. Search for Mayville State University Foundation. Gifts of $10 or more (up to a total of $3,000) will be matched by the Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF).

Giving Hearts Day is a 24-hour online give-a-thon for non-profit organizations in western Minnesota and North Dakota. The event is hosted every year by DMF and Impact Foundation to help participating charities dramatically increase fundraising success by creating awareness and a 24-hour window of participation that spurs donors to action.

Mayville State’s RN-to-BSN program is designed to assist current registered nurses in pursuing baccalaureate degrees in nursing while maintaining their current employment and providing support to their families. Because of the nursing shortage in North Dakota and the need to retain nurses in the healthcare setting, healthcare facilities can’t afford to give their employees time off to pursue advanced education. By offering online courses at Mayville State, each in five-week blocks, registered nurses are able to meet their educational goals one to two classes at a time while continuing to contribute to the healthcare workforce.

In the summer of 2013, the State Board of Higher Education granted Mayville State University approval to proceed with a proposed RN-to-BSN nursing program. MSU subsequently received approval from its regional accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission and from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The program got off to a great start and has grown tremendously. Mayville State University admitted the first cohort of RN-to-BSN students in the fall of 2014. Additional cohorts have begun in subsequent semesters, and the first cohort of students completed their studies at the end of the fall semester of 2015.

Those interested in making a contribution to the RN-to-BSN program at Mayville State on Giving Hearts Day may do so online from their own computers, or they may stop by the Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center at Mayville State between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Feb. 9. Personnel will be on hand to assist donors with their online donations. Lunch will be served between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

For more information about Giving Hearts Day, go to www.mayvillestate.edu/givinghearts or contact Dena Bergstrom at 701-788-4864 or dena.bergstrom@mayvillestate.edu.