By Charlene Chambers, public relations coordinator
Former Arkansas State University-Beebe student and Registered Nurse Tammy Berry has worked more than 30 years in the healthcare field, with the last nine years as a Utilization Case Manager at Unity Health in Searcy.
Berry, from Des Arc, graduated from ASU-Beebe in 1992 with an Associate Degree in Nursing and passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) with the State Board of Nursing.
Berry began her education journey by taking classes at Memphis State University from 1982 to 1983, receiving her Licensed Practical Nursing certification at Crowley's Ridge in 1982. In 1989, she began working as a charge nurse at Central Arkansas General Hospital (now Unity Health) in Searcy. "The hospital posted the opportunity to take nursing classes at ASU-Beebe," said Berry. "They paid for my tuition and books, and I agreed to work at the hospital for one year," Berry said she signed up for courses such as algebra and basic computer classes.
"The ASU-Beebe nursing instructors wanted nursing students to be well-rounded and thoroughly prepared for the nursing field. We were taught to be concerned with the patient's whole care and be a conscientious caregiver," said Berry. "These were fast-paced classes, and we were graded strictly but fairly. We all successfully passed our state board exams."
Over the years, Berry's family have all attended ASU-Beebe. Her husband Paul received an Applied Science in Electronics degree from ASU-Beebe Searcy Campus (formerly Foothills Vocational Technical Institute). "We are an ASU-Beebe family," said Berry. "We were glad both daughters chose to attend ASU-Beebe and were active on campus as student Ambassadors." Their daughter Laney Watkins is a history teacher at Bald Knob Public Schools, and their daughter Catherine Burton is the director of Advising and Learning at ASU-Beebe.
Berry has worked as a healthcare provider in acute rehabilitation, long-term care administration, nursing homes, cardiac care, and almost all hospital areas. "Nursing is a career that can be used for many areas of healthcare," she said. "I have enjoyed the flexibility of nursing. If you do not want to work in direct patient care, you can explore other areas."
As a case manager at Unity Health, Berry said she advocates for the patient in working with insurance companies on denials and appeals regarding inpatient, outpatient, and observation coverage decisions. In October 2019, Berry received the peer-nominated Unity Health service award based on providing excellent healthcare service.
Berry continued her nursing education and certification over the years. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN), certified as a Case Manager, and has been a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instructor for the past ten years.
"Being a nurse is a rewarding career field," said Berry. "However, you will experience your worst moments and best moments; you will laugh and cry; you will make friends and see friends die. Nursing is also multi-faceted, from the fast-paced career of the new nurse to the slowing down retiring nurse."
Berry advised future students: "If you are an adult learner, as I was, and concerned about taking classes, ASU-Beebe offers a great learning environment. If you need help, ask. The faculty and staff are there to help you achieve success."
"Our alumni are our strongest asset in communicating the value of ASU-Beebe. I am inspired by their stories," said Rose Mary Jackson, Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement. "We gladly share their stories of how ASU-Beebe has positively influenced them."
Arkansas State University-Beebe Alumni Stories is a project of the Alumni Association with the goal of sharing and preserving the ASU-Beebe historical and educational experiences of former students. If you are an alumni and would like to share your story, contact Institutional Advancement at (501) 882-8855.
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