Geisinger School of Nursing bestows first associate degrees

Marking a major milestone in nurse education at Geisinger, Geisinger School of Nursing presented its first associate degrees in nursing (ADN) to 29 graduates at commencement exercises held in April in Lewistown.

The keynote address was delivered by Janet Tomcavage, MSN, RN, Geisinger executive vice president and chief nurse executive. She noted that nursing continually tops the list of “most trusted professions” and observed the changes nurses have and will continue to weather, thanks to rapidly evolving technology and a new emphasis on team-based care.

“Change is a constant in nursing,” she said. “And change requires flexibility, engagement, emotional maturity and the willingness to be iterative. Not every change will work but if we all work together to test new solutions — we will be successful.”

The event also included remarks by Geisinger College of Health Sciences President and Geisinger Chief Academic Officer Julie Byerley, MD, MPH. Dr. Byerley noted Geisinger College’s unfolding vision to create an academic medicine hub of care, research and learning in Lewistown and the central role the School of Nursing plays in the plan.

“In Lewistown, Geisinger College is creating educational programs for an academic center focused on meeting the needs of rural communities. We can lead the nation in innovations that best support these communities — which are often some of the most underserved in the country. Our School of Nursing is critical to that vision,” she said.