From College Dreams to Career Roots in North Dakota
BISMARCK, N.D. – When Morgyn Haugen left her hometown of Mankato, Minn., to attend college in the Fargo area, she thought it would be a temporary stop on her path to becoming a nurse. Instead, it became the place she would build her career, friendships and sense of home.
Haugen first connected with Sanford during her time at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. Those early experiences gave her a clear sense of Sanford’s culture and professional development opportunities available to nurses who want to grow in their careers.
Now a registered nurse, clinical care leader and department education coordinator at Sanford Health in Fargo, Haugen says North Dakota has given her more than a career; it’s given her a place to belong.
“Sanford gives me so many opportunities to develop professionally and personally,” Haugen said. “I don’t feel like I need to look elsewhere right now. This is where I’m supposed to be.”
Her decision to stay in North Dakota wasn’t just about work – it was about the lifestyle. She built a strong support system, became active in her community and discovered a vibrant culture, with everything from winter outdoor activities to summer markets and events that bring people together across the state.
“Your job will bring you here, but your community will make you stay,” Haugen said. “Finding that community and building connections is something I don’t think I would have found anywhere else.”
Haugen’s story is especially meaningful as North Dakota faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals. A recent study by the North Dakota Hospital Foundation revealed more than 2,000 job vacancies across 33 hospitals, with critical needs in nursing, radiology, laboratory and mental health services. Rural areas are particularly affected due to limited educational pipelines and high burnout rates.
Find the Good Life in North Dakota, the state’s national talent attraction campaign, is helping people like Haugen discover fulfilling careers and welcoming communities. Since launching in 2022, the initiative has helped individuals and families across the country see North Dakota as a place of opportunity.
Katie Ralston Howe, director of the North Dakota Department of Commerce Workforce Division, said Morgyn’s experience reflects the program’s mission.
“Morgyn’s story is exactly what we hope people find in North Dakota – meaningful work, genuine community and a place that feels like home,” Ralston Howe said. "At a time when our health care system is facing real workforce shortages, her decision to stay and grow here is both inspiring and essential.”
Learn more about opportunities to live and work in North Dakota at FindTheGoodLife.com.
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About Find the Good Life in North Dakota:
North Dakota is a vibrant state known for its rich cultural heritage, abundant natural resources, and strong sense of community. With its diverse landscapes, thriving economy, and commitment to innovation, North Dakota offers residents a high quality of life and ample opportunities for personal and professional fulfillment.
Media Contact:
Kim Schmidt
Communications Manager | North Dakota Department of Commerce
701.328.2532 | ksschmidt@nd.gov | www.ndtourism.com | www.commerce.nd.gov