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The continual pursuit to better herself

A few years into her Geisinger career, Tracey decided the time was right
to continue her education—and she was encouraged by Geisinger Medical
Center to consider one of its educational partners, American Sentinel
University. Tracey started the MSN, nursing education specialization, in
2013. “From day one, I received so much support from professors and
staff,” she says. “I learned so much in every class, and there were
many other aspects like affordability and class structure that made it
a great experience.”

Unexpected tragedy

Over the course of several years, Tracey had the misfortune of sustaining
several concussions. In October 2014, she suffered her fifth one. The
doctors told her that the cumulative damage was considered a traumatic
brain injury. At the time, Tracey was halfway through her final class at
American Sentinel.

Since then, Tracey has been focused on getting stronger. Between
regular medical appointments with specialists several hours from
home and the challenges she deals with to complete everyday
activities that used to be simple, it hasn’t been easy. Care and support
from her American Sentinel support system—as well as her bosses and
colleagues at Geisinger and her husband—has helped. “My student
success advisor, Julie Alexander, took the time to discuss and arrange the
accommodations suggested by my concussion specialist that would help
me finish my class,” Tracey says. In July 2015, Tracey did just that and
proudly accepted her diploma from American Sentinel.

Focused on the future

With the MSN, nursing education specialization, under her belt, Tracey
is eager to teach other nurses in the ever-innovative setting that is
Geisinger’s operating room. “I love to teach and to learn, and I think I’m
now better able to help other nurses. I want to continue to advance
my career at this amazing hospital.”

www.americansentinel.edu

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