We’re proud of the ambitions and accomplishments of our students and alumni – learn some of their stories in our monthly feature:
Student Spotlight
Noelani Sebesta ’23
Associate of Science in Nursing program
When Noelani Sebesta enrolled in college after high school, she wasn’t sure what career she hoped to pursue. While taking a break from her studies, she started working as an operating room aide at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York and was inspired to further her education in health care. Noelani adds: “I was able to see how hard-working and capable nurses are. Being able to see how well the nurses worked with the surgeons and surgical technologists as well as other members of the team was what made me excited to go into nursing.” She enrolled in our Associate of Science in Nursing degree program and will graduate this December. Noelani’s favorite clinical learning experience was her Obstetrics rotation and she is excited to share that she has accepted a position as a labor and delivery nurse at UPMC Memorial Hospital to begin after she graduates and passes her NCLEX (nursing licensure exam).
After beginning her career as an RN, Noelani looks forward to continuing her education to earn her bachelor’s degree and to pursuing graduate studies. A dedication to learning and the nursing profession runs in the family. Noelani’s mother is also continuing her education – she recently earned her bachelor’s degree and is now working on her master’s degree in nursing. Ultimately, Noelani aspires to become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). She shares: “I would like to help survivors of sexual and domestic violence as well as help survivors of human trafficking. Since there is a large shortage of SANE and forensic nurses, I am hoping to help be an advocate for my patients. There are not nearly enough people trained in the type of exams that these specialized nurses do and the quick training some emergency nurses get is not enough. We need qualified nurses who have gone to training so that patients can have the best care possible.”
Noelani lives in York, PA. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and thrift shopping. Noelani also likes to hike and camp, and one day would like to start back packing and hike the Appalachian Trail.
Alumni Spotlight
Carolyn Carlson ‘11, RN, BSN, MBA
Agency Director, Penn Home Infusion Therapy
Special Q&A Edition
How would you describe your career journey?
I have worked in home infusion since 1988, when providing this care in the home was quite new. I started with a local company called Barge-Ganse Venacare. That company later become Horizon Healthcare Services, which was a partnership between Lancaster General Health and other health systems. I began as a nurse in patients’ homes and later held a number of different positions, including president for the last 15 years. I also earned my BSN from PA College and my MBA from St. Joseph’s University.
How did Horizon become part of Penn Home Infusion Therapy, and how does this change benefit patients?
Horizon became fully owned within LG Health in 2022 and owned by Penn Home Infusion Therapy (PHIT) in June 2023. PHIT is under the larger umbrella of Penn Medicine at Home. The integration increased the specialty medication therapies we can offer to patients, including those who have cancer, arthritis, myasthenia gravis, Crohn’s disease and HIV. The additional therapies allow more patients to remain in their homes to receive care.
What career opportunities does Penn Medicine At Home offer?
Health systems are increasingly moving toward providing more care in the home. It’s the right thing to do for our patients. PMAH offers a vast array of career opportunities for nurses, occupational and physical therapists, and home health aides. Being on the leading edge of offering these innovative therapies at home, where patients want to receive them, is really exciting.
If you have any interest in working in home health or home infusion, I encourage you to attend one of our continuing education opportunities. Consider joining us on November 8 at the Eden Resort, when Leon Kraybill, MD, and Jessica Lauren Mendez, DNP, FNP-BC, will present “Innovations in Home Care: Advanced Home Health Brings Hospital Level Care to the Home.” Click here or scan the QR code below to learn more. We would love to see you there!
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!
