We’re proud of the ambitions and accomplishments of our students and alumni – learn some of their stories in our monthly feature:

Student Spotlight

Tamra Douglas ‘22
Three-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program

After earning a degree in Social Work from Millersville University and working for more than seven years as a Probation/Parole Officer for the County of Lancaster, Tamra Douglas wasn’t feeling fulfilled by her work. The desire to explore a new career path where she could help people improve their quality of life inspired her to enroll in PA College’s three-year BSN program. Tamra values the college’s affiliation with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, as she and many family members have received quality care within the health system. As a wife and mother with local roots, she was also happy to have the opportunity for an excellent education close to home. “The college has great facilities and the professors have been great. They are very knowledgeable and are passionate about helping students to learn,” Tamra adds.

As a busy mother to a four-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter, Tamra shares that being in school for the second time around presents unique challenges. “Planning is the key to my success,” she shares, helping her to work around her children’s schedules and needs. “My children definitely keep my on my toes and keep life interesting.” She also credits the support of her husband and parents for helping her make it all work. Since Tamra has limited experience in the nursing field so far, she hopes that as she continues her clinical rotations, she can better discover her area of passion. In the meantime, she’s drawn to working in the emergency department because of its fast pace, or the operating room because “surgery is incredible and can truly save lives,” Tamra explains.

Tamra and her family live in Manheim Township. In her free time, she most enjoys being outside – going on runs, taking walks with her family or playing with her kids.

Alumni Spotlight

Carol (Gibble) McCall ’80
Leave Administrator, Human Resources, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health

Carol McCall’s dream of becoming a nurse may not have taken shape the minute she was born at Lancaster General Hospital, but after earning her nursing diploma from the then Lancaster General Hospital School of Nursing (now PA College) and working for the health system for the entirety of her nearly 40-year career, her path seems like it was meant to be. After working night shift as a staff RN on the medical-surgical orthopedic floor at the hospital, in 1988 Carol was encouraged by Nursing Administration to apply for a recruiter position created to address a then nursing shortage. She would like to believe that it was her demonstrated passion for bedside nursing that earned her this role, where she remained until 2010.

Today, Carol is a member of the Human Resources Benefits team at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. As the Leave Administrator, she oversees employees’ maternity and paternity leaves, as well as leaves for family medical care. Looking back over her career, Carol shares: “With each role I have been in, I am proud to say I served, helped and comforted those with a need. Each person was treated with professionalism and as my priority. Although as a Nurse Recruiter and Leave Administrator, I am not at the bedside, I truly believe Once a Nurse…Always a Nurse.”

In addition to a lasting appreciation for her formal education in nursing, Carol also values ongoing connections with her fellow students. “The best experiences were the lifelong friendships that continue to grow. There are several of us who remain in very close contact. We were in each other’s weddings, shared our joy in becoming new mommies and now all enjoy discussing future retirement plans,” shares Carol. She and her classmates have been planning to celebrate their 40th class reunion this year – hoping to gather at PA College if that become possible in the months ahead.

Carol lives in Lititz with her husband of 29 years, Geoff and is a proud mother to Bryan, 27 and Cory, 25. She loves hiking, motor home travel and spending time with family and friends.

Seeking People of PA College

Do you know an exceptional current student or alumnus whose experiences and accomplishments would help tell the PA College story? Or someone who has overcome an obstacle or reached a challenging milestone during their PA College experience? Please email your suggested names (and identify them in one of these categories) to Karen Jenkins. Self-nominations are also welcome!