Beth Finkbiner ’88 and Brenda Auker ’90 are sisters-in-law who both earned nursing degrees from Eastern Mennonite University. But they have other things in common: They both work for Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania, where they were both nominated for this year’s Geisinger Lewistown Hospital Nurse Excellence Award.
The award is given to nurses who demonstrate extraordinary love and service to their patients and coworkers.
Finkbiner was selected for the honor. Both women, with their fellow nominees, were celebrated at an August event.
Auker, who’s been with the hospital for 30 years, cares for patients in the maternity unit.
“I’m a lifer,” Auker said, in a release published by the health system. “I have realized how much I have to offer our unit as an older, experienced nurse and am excited to pass on that wisdom to my peers as an unofficial leader on our unit.”
Auker worked for the hospital part-time while her two sons were young, and is there full time now that she and her husband are “empty nesters.”
Finkbiner is an instructor in the hospital’s school of nursing. She joined the staff five years ago, having previously taught at the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology and worked in hospitals, home healthcare, and retirement homes.
“I am very blessed to be able to work with the nursing students and see them graduate and go on to do great things in nursing. I count it a privilege to pass on nursing knowledge to the next generation,” Finkbiner said.
Auker was celebrated in August among the nominees for the award. Both were nominated by their peers.
Congratulations to both of you. It is so satisfying to see EMU nursing graduates excel and be recognized. Keep up the wonderful work.
Congratulations to you both! My family benefited from major care that Geisinger was noted for (my parents from 1935 on). You are carrying on the fine reputation in health and whole wellness care and, deservedly, are recognized for your work. The world needs nurses like you!