Learning from Locals: Meet Dr. Christina Plemmons!

Rapid City is home to many healthcare professionals devoted to improving the lives of people both in town and in the greater Black Hills region through administering quality care and training the next generation of heathcare workers. Today, we are featuring the newly-appointed Assistant Dean for the Rapid City site of South Dakota State University's College of Nursing, Dr. Christina Plemmons! Assistant Dean Plemmons earned her B.A. in Business Administration (with an international minor in German) from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA, before pursing her B.S. in Nursing and later her M.S. in Nursing Education from SDSU. She then went on to earn her Ph.D. in Nursing Education from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. We caught up with Dr. Plemmons to ask her more about her new position at SDSU and her experiences in healthcare.

What motivated you to go into nursing? 
I was looking for a career that would challenge me and allow me to “make a difference” in the lives of people every day. As a nurse scientist, educator, and leader, I continue to feel challenged and I still make a difference in people’s lives. I have the education I need to make a difference in new ways and that brings great joy to my life.

Tell us a little bit about what you do as an Assistant Dean for SDSU’s College of Nursing.

As the Assistant Dean for the Rapid City site, I serve the College of Nursing, Rapid City faculty and staff, and Rapid City Undergraduate and Graduate students. An average week includes problem solving with instructors; responding to student requests/concerns; meeting with scholarship donors; monitoring the budget; hiring faculty or staff; representing the College of Nursing at public, clinical agency, or student events; supporting professional development of faculty and staff; and tracking progress of strategic plan goals. Every day I work to support the College of Nursing mission, vision, and strategic plan. SDSU College of Nursing strives for excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research, scholarship, and health services to diverse individuals, communities and populations across the life span. The college improves human health and quality of life for people in the state of South Dakota, the region, the nation and the world.

Wow! You have a lot going on! How do you effectively manage your time?

I like to use technology for efficient communication and organization. I use reminder alerts, notes, and calendars to manage my time. I have two to-do lists – one for long term projects, and one for short term or daily tasks.

What do you see as being one of the most important issues in health care today? 

Access to primary and preventive care is an important issue in U.S. health care today. 

How can our pre-health students stay informed about important health care issues?
One way to stay informed is to join a national student organization. Another way is to join the professional organization of your future profession. Many professional organizations have reduced rates for students, along with access to free online or print resources. I also recommend changing the preferences in your news apps. Add healthcare news to your preferences!

Dr. Plemmons and other SDSU Assistant Deans
pose for a photo while in Washington, DC,
to meet with Congressional Representative staffers.

Which techniques do you use to manage your  stress levels?

One way I minimize stress with technology is to set reminders for the future tasks and then forget them until it’s time to do them. Another way I minimize stress without technology is to not own a cell phone. I use mantram repetition to focus and settle my thoughts when my mind spirals around a problem that and I am not ready to solve. I walk to and from work, which allows my brain to focus on the squirrels, birds, or flowers (or falling leaves, rain puddles, or snow). I also own a dog – a big responsibility, but also the best stress reliever ever!

What advice do you have for students interested in health careers?

First, take some time to explore your options. Healthcare careers are never portrayed correctly, or completely, in the media. Second, consider what you want a typical day to look like. Do you want to spend time with different people every day? Do you want to work alone, without interruptions? Do you want to provide health care for an entire community? Do you want to be an expert in treating a single disease process? Do you want to change healthcare systems? Third, get connected. Interview healthcare professionals, job shadow, join a health career student organization, attend national student conventions/conferences. Fourth, learn everything you can in your foundational courses. They’re called foundational for a reason 😊. Finally, contact me if you’re interested in a career in nursing, advanced practice nursing, or nursing science. Good luck!