School of Nursing news

Geisinger nurse faculty honored for innovation

Two simulation products developed by Geisinger School of Nursing faculty have expanded learning opportunities, driven down costs, preserved more expensive technology and caught the attention of both the National League for Nursing (NLN) and International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL).

Tammy Wyland, LPN, simulation lab coordinator, devised a reusable silicone wound that costs about $20 for 6 “wounds” that can be washed and reapplied repeatedly on standardized participants and mannequins. Stephanie McKee, RN, devised a way to use pool noodles — at about $.50 apiece — that allow students to practice skills such as discontinuing IVs and removing sutures consistently.

Wyland and McKee earned awards from NLN’s HomeGrown Simulation Solutions and their ideas are now published in the NLN’s Simulation Innovation and Resource Center online. Their papers were also accepted for presentation at the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning conference.

School of Nursing pinning ceremony marks senior students’ journey to nursing

Senior students from the School of Nursing class of 2025 received their pins at a ceremony held at the school in Lewistown. Beth Finkbiner, RN, director of the School of Nursing, presided at the ceremony that celebrated the students’ academic journey and accomplishments.

Ebou Sogu, class president, addressed the class, reminding them, “From this day forward, let’s remember that with every patient we meet, we have the power to make a profound difference in their lives. We will be the comforting voice in their darkest moments, the skilled hands that restore hope, and the advocate who ensures that their voices are heard.”

School of Nursing new building ribbon cut

Geisinger School of Nursing cut the ribbon on its newly refurbished, state-of-the-art facility in the heart of downtown Lewistown on May 17.

“We have the faculty, researchers and learners in place in Lewistown to lead the nation in innovations that best support rural communities, which are often the most underserved in the country. Our School of Nursing is critical to that vision,” said Julie Byerley, MD, MPH, president of Geisinger College of Health Sciences and chief academic officer. “As we cut the ribbon on a brandnew building for our School of Nursing, we demonstrate our commitment to improving rural health and making better health easier for these populations.”

Nursing students to focus on teamwork

The brand-new space in the heart of the Lewistown community helped Geisinger School of Nursing’s orientation focus on community and cooperation — key elements of education at Geisinger. The 35 members of the incoming class of 2026 were introduced to these themes by faculty, staff and their student nurse peers in August.

The orientation planners said a key theme of the day was the emphasis on the team-based nature of both learning and working at Geisinger. “We want to create and support a culture of cooperation and let students know they’re all in this together,” said Jessica Rogers, enrollment management recruiter. “So that’s the big message we send at orientation. And I know it’s taken seriously and is a big benefit as students advance in the curriculum.”

Member of Congress tours new nursing school facility

U.S. Rep. John Joyce, MD, toured Geisinger College of Health Sciences’ new School of Nursing building and met with school administrators, faculty and students during an event held June 19. After the meeting, he congratulated Geisinger leadership for “opening doors of opportunity” in the region he represents.

During the tour, Rep. Joyce interacted with augmented intelligence training tools and spoke with several nursing students. “I am quite impressed,” Rep. Joyce said. “I think what you’re doing will change the lives of patients and will certainly change career paths.”