Get to Know: Shelby Boettner

Originally from Roscoe, SD, Shelby Boettner moved to Aberdeen six years ago. As Program Director of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at Presentation College, she is responsible for oversight of four different tracks – traditional, hybrid, LPN-BSN, and RN-BSN.

“My favorite part about PC is the teamwork. Small but mighty is definitely an appropriate description of our team. Through every difficult situation or change, everyone always works together and steps up to help where it is needed.” Shelby said.

Her passion for nursing isn’t limited to her career in academia. Shelby also works at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in the Emergency Department.

“I was happy to go back to bedside nursing. There is just something I love about getting back to where I started and being able to help patients during difficult times. I enjoy the thrill of working in the ER, not knowing what is going to walk in next!”

Q How did you decide to become involved in academia?

A I became involved in academia shortly after finishing my bachelor’s degree at Presentation. As everyone says – nursing school is not easy, and I wanted to be able to work with students and show that all the hard work really does pay off in the end. Not too long after graduation, I reached out to Presentation about wanting to teach clinical on the side and was able to pick up my first clinical group. After doing that, I made the decision to go back to school for my Master’s in Nursing Education. Initially I was planning to continue bedside nursing along with teaching on the side, but I was presented with my current position which made my official transition from bedside nursing to academia.

Q How does your work reflect your passion?

A I chose nursing as my career because it has always been my passion to care and help others. Within my current position I am helping develop our future nurses and teaching them to be caring, safe, and competent. The beautiful thing about the nursing field is there are so many different ways that you can do this. It is not always in a hospital setting. From bedside nursing to academia – you are still helping others, just different groups of people and in different ways.

Q What is something that you love about the Aberdeen community?

A I love that the Aberdeen community is always promoting and encouraging growth and entrepreneurship. It seems like everyone has the same goal of “growing our own” to help Aberdeen thrive.

Q What do you like to do in your free time?

A I enjoy anything arts and crafts! I will admit I have a bad habit of always finding a new kind of project to do instead of just sticking with one thing. Once I feel like I have mastered something I’ll move onto the next project!

Q Where is one of your favorite places to go in Aberdeen? Why?

A One of my favorite places to go is the Market. It is where I go when I need to get out of my office and work somewhere else. It is a great atmosphere along with having food and caffeine on demand!! I can easily set up there for hours.

Q What is one word you would use to describe yourself? Why?

A If I had to describe myself with one word I would use motivated. I have a hard time staying stagnant with anything. I am always looking for ways to be more efficient, effective, and successful.

Q Why is community involvement important to you?

A Community involvement is important to me because it is how communities grow and thrive. The more people that are involved, the more possibilities there are. Everyone has a different set of perspectives and expertise that can help solve problems within the community.

Q What made you want to enter the medical field?

A My interest in the medical field came after I got a job as a certified nursing assistant at a local nursing home in high school. I initially took the job simply because my friend worked there, and I thought that it would be an easy way to make some money – boy was I wrong! Being a CNA was difficult work – both physically and emotionally. But from there I fell in love with the nursing field and found the rewarding feelings that comes with serving people. //