Geisinger Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing prepares RNs for an exciting career

Geisinger Family Bonds

Employees share why they chose Geisinger, and why they stay

The idea of being a nurse came slowly to Alexander Haines. 

After high school, he attended Mt. Aloysius College, where he played baseball and studied criminology. He earned an associate degree in that field but entered a challenging economy, eventually taking a job in security at the Geisinger Lewistown Hospital (GLH) emergency department (ED). There, the dynamics of the environment - the intensity and courage involved in working in an emergency room - took hold. Alexander moved from security to serving as an ED technician, it was then that he set his sights on nursing. 

“Honestly, other than marrying my wife, becoming a nurse is the best decision I’ve ever made,” Alexander says, adding “without the Geisinger Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing, I wouldn’t be a nurse today.” 

The convenient location was a factor for Alexander, who didn’t want to go away to school again, but as he puts it, “the statistics speak for themselves.”

Choosing one of the top-rated nursing schools in PA

Geisinger Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing (GLHSON) is ranked in the top five percent of Pennsylvania nursing schools with a 100 percent National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate – the highest in the state. 

“The program isn’t designed to be easy,” explains Alex. “It’s designed to prepare you for the challenging situations that nurses deal with on a regular basis.” 

When asked what he appreciated the most about his training, Alex says, “the number of clinical hours and hands-on experience, working side-by-side with other nurses who are always trying to better themselves by getting different certifications, that is what prepared me to jump right out of nursing school and start in the emergency department.”

‘The opportunities are endless’

After graduating from GLHSON, Alex felt prepared to jump right into the emergency department. "The opportunities in nursing are endless," he says. "Not even just within nursing, but within Geisinger, there are many ways to better yourself through continuing education."

Excellent job placement rates

GLHSON prepares and encourages graduates to continue their education, earning certifications, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or beyond. After receiving their diploma and passing the NCLEX, GLHSON graduates enjoy a 100 percent job placement rate, whether they decide to seek employment across the county or stay local – nurses are in demand.

Many GLHSON graduates are hired within the Geisinger system, which is home to three Magnet designated hospitals. Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is the highest and most prestigious distinction a healthcare organization can receive for nursing excellence and high-quality patient care.

Only a small percent of U.S. hospitals are Magnet-designated hospitals, according to American Nurse Today, the official journal of the American Nurses Association. 

Within the Geisinger system, Geisinger Medical Center earned its third magnet designation in 2018, and Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital (GSACH) earned their first (watch the video below.)

“I would recommend nursing to anyone who is looking for a career where every day is different,” says Alex. He also recommends GLHSON because “the challenges you face in school will prepare you to succeed in your career.” 

GLHSON is now accepting applications. For more information, click here.