Molly Sebastian, R.N., Vice President, Patient Care Services

Whether in the hospital or on the road, she encourages others to reach their goals

A Nursing Cheerleader

Patient care services administrator Molly Sebastian, R.N. (right), encourages colleagues like Vickie Trexler, R.N. (left), and Jeremy Benninger, R.N., to continue learning.

Whether at work or at play, vice president of patient care services Molly Sebastian, R.N., finds opportunities to motivate and mentor others. In the hospital, she encourages her colleagues to continue learning. On the road, she cheers on fellow runners.

At work …

Sebastian frequently can be found visiting the units and asking colleagues, “What’s your next step?” She encourages colleagues to return to school for an advanced degree or pursue a certification in their specialty. Sebastian feels a responsibility to prepare the next generation of nurses and recognizes education is important to providing the best patient care.

When they say a lack of time or money keeps them from taking the next step, Sebastian quickly tells them about our tuition reimbursement and flexible scheduling programs. And, then, she tells her story.

While working nights as a staff nurse and then a night shift supervisor, and raising three teenagers, she returned to school to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Cedar Crest College and then became a unit director. “I was at the kitchen table studying science while my son also was studying sophomore biology and chemistry,” Sebastian says. When all of her children were in college, she hit the books, too, earning a master’s degree from Villanova University.

Her nursing leadership is among the best in the state. She was selected to receive the 2005 Pennsylvania State Nurses Association Administration-Management Award and was one of three finalists chosen for the 2005 Nightingale of Pennsylvania Nursing Administration Award. “I understand the job of being a nurse,” Sebastian says. “I think people know I’m hardworking, fair and honest.”

At play …

Sebastian was 33 when she first laced up her running shoes and easily jogged a quarter-mile around a track. “I was shocked I could do it without falling over,” she says. So, she started running with her husband, Paul, allowing them time to catch up during their hectic schedules.

Now, Sebastian, is running faster and further. She has six marathons, including the Boston Marathon, under her sneakers. Keeping her moving is her constant desire to improve. In fact, she keeps a daily journal, logging her distance, speed, the weather and her thoughts. “It helps me evaluate my performance,” she says. “I like to do better each time, even if it’s a second.”

She passes that attitude on to new runners as a mentor for First Strides, a beginning walking and running workshop for women. “I encourage women and remind them, I’m not a typical runner.”

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