Tuition reimbursement helps nurse advance her career

Stefani Harchak’s career at Geisinger started when she was an LPN. Since then, she’s gone from LPN, to an RN with a BSN, to nursing team lead and has recently been promoted to a supervisor. This all happened within a 10-year period – and she gives credit to Geisinger’s employee tuition reimbursement program for helping her get there.

“When I was an LPN taking general education classes for my RN degree, the tuition reimbursement program covered the expense of all of my general education classes,” Stefani explains. “Because of the tuition reimbursement program, I was also able to successfully obtain my BSN online through American Sentinel University.”  

It wasn’t all about tuition reimbursement though

Stefani’s managers and coworkers supported her goals and ambitions every step of the way. “When I was an LPN in pediatrics, my team lead was a huge supporter and encourager throughout my entire time in school.” Additionally, Stefani credits the nurses she currently works with for supporting her while she earned a BSN. “They always told me, ‘you can do it, you won’t regret it.’”

Stefani was also given the opportunity to work flex when she was working toward earning an RN degree, helping her focus on her studies.

Happy and fulfilled in her current role

Stefani is fulfilled in her current role as endoscopy supervisor at the Geisinger Gray’s Woods Ambulatory Surgery Center in Port Matilda, Pa. 

Stefani encourages her fellow Geisinger family members to develop their careers because of the many benefits and opportunities associated with the journey. “Expanding my education has opened up so many doors and great opportunities,” she says. “I have met so many great people.” 

“Education is powerful and plays a huge part in our lives,” Stefani remarks. “Geisinger gives us the opportunity to learn so we can provide the best care possible to our patients and community. I will always be grateful that Geisinger gave me the opportunity to grow in my nursing career.”

Plans to continue her nursing education

Stefani plans to obtain her Master of Science in Nursing from American Sentinel University. “When the time comes, I will participate in the tuition reimbursement program again,” she says. “But right now, I am taking a break to focus on my current role,” she explains. “I want to grow and learn more so I can be a strong and effective leader.”

Next steps:

Learn about nursing opportunities at Geisinger
Learn more about the Geisinger Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing