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Onward for an MSN

In 2014, Tracey graduated with the BSN and took a two-year break
from school. After a team coordinator retreat, she was inspired to
further her education and called up American Sentinel once again, “not
even considering going anywhere else,” as she puts it. This time, her
motivation is personal. “Although I did enjoy it, the BSN was something I
was told I had to do, but this time I’m going to school for self-satisfaction,”
Tracey says. “I know there are positions within Geisinger that require or
prefer the MSN, so this will definitely help me, but really, I want to do this
for me.”

Tracey started the MSN in February 2017. She is pursuing the nursing
leadership and organizational management specialization. “I am in a
leadership role in my department and I’m also the interim house supervisor
when needed, so I think that specialization is a good fit for me,” she says.
A great support system

There are many people in Tracey’s corner cheering her on, including
her Geisinger colleagues and bosses and her family. Another important
inspiration: her late father, who passed away before Tracey began her
educational journey. “My father was so intelligent but came from a poor
family and didn’t have the opportunity to go to college,” she says. “Part of
me is doing this for him. He was so very proud of everything I did and
told everyone in town that I was an ER nurse. He and my mom always
told me they could see me becoming a nurse. I’m glad they encouraged
me, because I’ve been so happy in this career. I could never imagine doing
anything else.”

www.americansentinel.edu

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