Dr. Shelby Boettner is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Northern State University. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Leadership from the University of North Dakota, with a project focused on quality improvement in critical care nursing. Dr. Boettner brings extensive experience in nursing education, having previously served as the BSN Program Director at Presentation College and as a Clinical Adjunct at St. Ambrose University. She is deeply committed to innovative teaching, with a strong emphasis on simulation and hands-on learning to foster a solid foundation in nursing education. This dedication is reflected in her Master's project, which focused on integrating gamification and virtual reality into nursing education to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Boettner has over 5 years of professional nursing experience in various settings, including the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department at Avera St. Luke's Hospital, and continues to stay active in clinical practice. She is actively engaged in scholarship, continuously exploring ways to enhance nursing education through evidence-based practices and innovative teaching methods. Dr. Boettner is dedicated to student engagement and success, serving as a faculty advisor for the Student Nurses Association and participating in multiple professional organizations such as the South Dakota Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau.