CU Nursing - Commencement Spring 2021 - 14

G R A D U AT I O N

TRAGEDY LEADS TO NURSING CAREER
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oncology. Perley in pediatric oncology and her sister in
adult oncology. " It's very different to be on that side of
care. Being knowledgeable about the system and the latest research and treatment protocols was really helpful
during my mother's battle. Everyone should have a health
care worker in their family. "
Perley's nursing career has included stints at Georgetown
University Hospital and Boston Children's where she joined
governance councils and medication charting committees.
Recognized early on by Georgetown as a superuser when
it was moving from paper charting to electronic record
keeping, Perley said, " I seem to have a knack for data and
informatics, but also love helping patients and their families. " With more and more hospitals, clinics, and healthcare
systems embracing data and computerized record-keeping,
healthcare informatics is expanding. Since she started in
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Nursing Journey Begins
During '08 Recession
SHAPED BY HER MOTHER'S BATTLE WITH BREAST CANCER,
PERLEY'S NURSING JOURNEY BEGAN DURING THE '08 RECESSION
By Dana Brandorff

anielle Perley decided to pursue nursing
after her mother was diagnosed with
breast cancer. " During her treatment,
I got to know the nurses pretty well
and appreciated the care she received. "
Perley originally received a B.S. in
Biology with a focus on genetics benchwork. " But after I got my degree, I couldn't get a job due
to the recession. " So, she pursued nursing and earned
her second bachelor's degree.
While her mother was battling cancer, Perley and her sister
- who was also pursuing nursing and halfway through
her program - made sure their mother received the best
care possible. " Even though we advocated for her and
understood the system and treatment, she relapsed and
passed away in 2014. "

CU College of Nursing | Graduation 2021

Because of its popularity, Perley chose to pursue her master's degree from CU Nursing, specializing in Healthcare
Informatics. " One reason I picked CU was because of its
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Skiba, now retired, built the foundation for the program's
ability to evolve to accommodate constant changes in the
interdisciplinary informatics domain.

BEDSIDE AND COMPUTER SKILLS PROVE TO BE
UNIQUE COMBINATION
Perley's bedside and computer skills are a unique combination. Having intimate knowledge of nursing and how
departments work and what they need, as well as the
questions to ask, put Perley at an advantage in customizing
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time for the nurses to interact with the patients and less
with the computer. Making their day better. "
Even though she sometimes yearns for more patient interaction, she knows that " what I'm building is impacting care. "
And as the world becomes more interoperable, it's important
for healthcare facilities to meet the current needs.
Now armed with her new degree, she is better able to assess
the projects she's assigned. " Before the program, I knew
a limited amount. Now, I can review the project, requirements, and apply evidence-based theories and standards to
the build and training I'm doing. " For Perley, it's like night
and day. " I didn't realize how much I didn't know and how
this degree would help me with my current job. I apply the
concepts every day. "

CU Nursing - Commencement Spring 2021

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