Alumni: NDSU nursing degree opens varied career path

A nursing degree from NDSU opens doors to several rewarding careers in a variety of healthcare settings, ranging from hospital placements, teaching roles and director positions.

Graduates of the Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program stand out as leaders in the healthcare field, stepping confidently into their jobs. Lyn Telford, who graduated from the program in 2010, is one of those leaders making an impact as the Director of Quality with Sanford Health.

For Telford, obtaining her degree from NDSU was instrumental in advancing her career.

“NDSU is a highly respected institution, so getting a degree from NDSU made me confident in my education. I had the resources and support I needed to be successful due to the integrity and character of the nursing program,” Telford said. “Having a degree from a reputable institution like NDSU made me a valuable applicant as I sought my first RN position and pursued my master’s degree.”

NDSU’s LPN to BSN program is designed for nurses wanting to advance in their careers through coursework focused on quality and safety, evidence-based practice, population-focused care, leadership and chronic health issues.

In her current role, Telford is responsible for supporting a diverse team of healthcare professionals who focus on quality improvement, patient experience, infection prevention and accreditation. Telford works closely with colleagues located in Fargo, as well as regional teams in Bismarck, Sioux Falls, Bemidji, and Sanford’s newest regions, the Black Hills and Marshfield (Wisconsin and northern Michigan).

“My day-to-day life varies, which is something I truly love,” she said. “A large portion of my time is spent on strategic planning – looking at how we’re performing, identifying areas of opportunity and determining the best ways to get where we want to go. My work may include participating in meetings, rounding with staff or patients or spending time on projects.”

Telford enjoys many aspects about her job, including having an impact on the quality and safety of the care Sanford delivers. Other things she loves includes creatively brainstorming about innovative ways in which Sanford can approach healthcare delivery and working with people from diverse disciplines.

“In my role, I have the privilege of supporting my team in achieving their goals and collaborating with individuals across all levels and departments of the organization – from bedside clinical teams and operational leaders to physicians and support services like facilities, IT and more. I also get to meet individuals from across Sanford’s global footprint, including the team from Hospital Metropolitano in Costa Rica.”

For those wanting to enter a similar career, Telford recommends gaining entry-level experience early on.

“Healthcare career options are incredibly diverse, and there is truly a role for anyone. If you know you want to pursue a healthcare career, especially in nursing or practicing medicine, it will give you such invaluable experience as a caregiver,” she said.

Trying out different roles was what got Telford started on her healthcare path. She grew up thinking she would become an educator and didn’t originally plan to enter a career in healthcare. However, she quickly found her calling when she started working in a hospital setting while in college.

“One of the benefits of my path is that I have been able to experience healthcare from many different levels. I’ve worked as a switchboard operator, registration clerk, nursing assistant, unit clerk, LPN, RN, supervisor, manager and now, director. Each role has shaped my understanding and broadened my perspective, and I carry those lessons with me every day.”

Telford said she gained a lot of pride as a nurse throughout her time at NDSU and is fond of the professors who shaped her education and nursing trajectory.

“The NDSU nursing faculty is unmatched, in my opinion. They each hold the nursing profession in high esteem, as they should, and help students understand the privilege that it is to be a nurse,” she said.

Telford has been able to experience that transformational leadership again, but now from a faculty perspective as a part-time adjunct professor for the LPN to BSN program where she teaches a health assessment course. Returning to campus has been a highlight for Telford, who has enjoyed serving as a mentor to future nurses and healthcare leaders.

“Being able to reassure the students during the first semester of the program is very fulfilling to me. I can offer validation of what they are feeling – it is overwhelming to start school again, let alone nursing school, while often also working full time as an LPN,” she said.

In addition to juggling classes and work, many students have families. Telford said she offers encouragement and support from a ‘nurse-to-nurse’ perspective while teaching them all the content they need to step confidently into their jobs.

Outside of work, Telford is very active in the community, serving on various boards and committees throughout the years, including the city of Fargo’s Board of Health, as well as volunteering with Meals on Wheels and Great Plains Food Bank.

Telford’s children Nick and Emily and husband, Ryan, are all NDSU supporters and proud Bison fans. Ryan also graduated from NDSU’s ADN to BSN program in 2010 and now is a cardiac care program manager.

Learn more about Telford’s healthcare journey on the official NDSU YouTube channel.

Looking to further your nursing career? Own your moment by applying today or scheduling a visit.