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Around the same, AtlantiCare announced that it would merge with
Geisinger Health System, an organization known for leading the
transformation of healthcare. The company is an educational partner of
American Sentinel University, so when Susan started her research on
MSN programs, the university quickly made her short list. “The MSN
curriculum looked really good to me,” she says. “I’d talked with others who
had enjoyed the program and it all fell into place.” She started the MSN,
nursing education specialization, setting a long-term goal to teach.

A new adventure, a new job

When a position in palliative care at AtlantiCare opened up in 2015, Susan
applied, eager to broaden her experience. “After years in hospice, I’m
excited to help people in the beginning of their journeys with diseases like
cancer,” she says. With her depth of experience and the MSN, nursing
education specialization underway, Susan was a solid candidate and got
the job. “The MSN program is proving really applicable to what I do
every day. In palliative care, there is a lot of one-to-one teaching, and
it’s important that I meet the needs of different students. I’ve also learned
about designing curriculum.”
Plans to teach

Susan says she’s very happy where she is, but is keeping her options
open. “I would love to teach as an adjunct at one of our local community
colleges,” she says, adding that she’s considering pursuing the Doctor of
Nursing Practice Educational Leadership. For now, Susan hopes to get
involved at AtlantiCare as initiatives arise to improve patient and nurse
education.

The worthwhile journey

In November 2016, Susan graduated from American Sentinel with the
MSN. While the time and effort required were challenging, she was dealing
with much more. Susan is a breast cancer survivor but had a second
mastectomy in 2015 when a genetic test revealed a high chance of
cancer returning. Still, she managed to keep up with work and school.
“The professors were very supportive and understanding,” says Susan,
who is the co-captain of the AtlantiCare cycling team that raises money for
the American Cancer Society.

Today, Susan is proud of her efforts—as are her cheerleaders, her
husband, three adult children and best friend. “I had a lot of support,”
she says. “I learned so much and met so many people from all over the
country through American Sentinel. It was definitely worthwhile, so much
so that I’m looking forward to taking a breather and then diving into the
DNP.”

www.americansentinel.edu

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