Tony Allen
Tony Allen
Class Year
’19
Current home
Minooka, Ill.
Major(s)
Nursing
Current Position
Registered Nurse at Advocate Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha, Wis.
Tony Allen graduated in 2019 as part of Carthage’s first cohort of nursing students. He now works as a registered nurse at Advocate Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha, Wis.
While at Carthage, Mr. Allen was awarded the inaugural Smed’s Fellowship in Population Health, which provided him with funds for his tuition and fellowship project. His fellowship project was an educational intervention for Kenosha’s sixth through eighth graders, with the goal of teaching the pediatric population about the positive health effects of eating healthy foods and engaging in physical activity. Participants took part in such activities as a scavenger hunt, relay races, and volleyball games.
He also received the Leadership in Nursing Practice Award and the Scholar-Athlete Award.
Even as an alumnus, Mr. Allen tries to use all of Carthage’s values in his everyday life. Truth, strength, and service are all a part of his career in nursing but are also important values to have in relationships as a friend, brother, and mentor to others. He likes to think he’s a leader and a role model for others by the way he carries himself; he tries to encourage others even when times are hard, and is always looking to build strength in people, especially during vulnerable times. According to Mr. Allen, Carthage’s mission is something truly inspiring and should be influenced by others in their everyday lives.
Mr. Allen said, “All of my professors in the Nursing Program were instrumental in my success.” Professors Frank Hicks, Cheryl Petersen, Julie Maher, and Patricia Flannery were along with him his entire four years as a nursing student. He is very thankful to many other professors in the Nursing Program, and he believes that he would not be where he is today without the help of all of those amazing individuals.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“I have thoroughly enjoyed learning more about nursing and experiencing a variety of different situations in the hospital setting. The cardiac and neurology unit have made me realize the importance of healthcare and the profession of nursing. I love building a relationship with the patient and his/her family, and getting the chance to make their day even a little bit better.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“Carthage has prepared me for my career greatly because of the foundations and values I have learned throughout my four years. The Carthage Nursing Program helped shape my individual being by allowing me to advance my knowledge in a variety of subjects, not only nursing. Carthage showed me the values of friendship, motivation to strive for success and excellence, and dedication and passion into doing something you love.”
How has your liberal arts education benefitted you?
“A specific example from nursing that comes to my mind would be acknowledging the different cultures and beliefs of my patients. Carthage taught me how to provide holistic care for every single individual. In nursing, I try and look at my patient in a holistic view, meaning looking at their physical, spiritual, emotional, and environmental factors rather than just their diagnosis. I had a patient one time who didn’t speak English and had specific requests for food due to cultural beliefs. As a nurse, I had to respect and acknowledge her beliefs and try to provide care based solely on herself and her views. Each patient is unique and should be treated as such.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“Some of my favorite Carthage memories had to do with volleyball and nursing combined. I met so many amazing people and friends that’ll last for a lifetime. Volleyball helped shape me by teaching me to be resilient and always strive for success. Volleyball gave me so many friends and opportunities, and my college experience would not have been the same without it.
“Nursing was an amazing part of my college story as well because I was a part of the first graduating cohort in the Nursing Program. All 13 of us grew so close and experienced so many memories together. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“I would just say to be confident in yourself even when times are rough and just know that you are smart and can do anything you put your mind to. There will be times that you want to give up, but you have to look within yourself and others to gain the strength to keep going. Your hard work and dedication will reward you in the future. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek additional help not only with your professors but your peers as well.”