Emily Bjalme, BSN, RN, NPD-BC, Professional Development Specialist, is an incredible asset to multiple departments and units at Mount Nittany Health, including the Professional and Organizational Development Department and Women and Children’s Services. She is patient, kind, supportive, and encouraging. She takes great pride in her role as the Nurse Residency Program Coordinator, and is equally passionate about providing exceptional patient care as part of Women and Children’s Services where she is a wonderful advocate for new moms.
Bjalme is always willing and ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She is innovative and goes above and beyond to make tasks more efficient. She takes an immense amount of pride in her work, and always goes the extra mile to do what is best for the greater good of her team, and the entire organization. In a leadership role, she is extraordinary at making new staff feel welcome and like they are already part of the team. While she exemplifies all of Mount Nittany Health’s organizational values, for this honor, she is being recognized for her caring demeanor.
Bjalme’s nominators praised her compassionate commitment to the organization: “Through her facilitation of clinical rotations, Emily has touched the lives of so many students during their time at Mount Nittany Health. She not only cares about those who are on the Professional and Organizational Development team and her patients, but she truly cares for others outside of work. If she notices someone who is struggling, she is always the first one that will go out of her way to lift them up. She is a wonderful person and we consider ourselves lucky to work with someone who is so caring and compassionate toward everyone she meets.”
Bjalme began working at Mount Nittany Health in 2011 as a nurse extern when she was a rising senior nursing student, and then worked as a nursing assistant for the health system while she finished school. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bloomsburg University with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing in 2012, and after passing her boards, secured a position as a registered nurse (RN) in Women and Children’s Services. In 2017, she transitioned to a job as a clinical educator where she worked as the student coordinator, eventually creating and developing the role of the Nurse Residency Program coordinator. Last fall, Bjalme happily transitioned into the role that she currently holds as Professional Development Specialist – Women and Children’s Services, and also maintains a secondary position as an RN in Women and Children’s Services to stay active in bedside nursing. Bjalme is continually sharpening her skills and will have her Maternal Newborn Nursing (MNN-BC) certification in early June.
“I love that I have the privilege of combining my two passions, teaching students and caring for moms and babies, to impact the quality of care that is provided to our patients,” said Emily. “It is honestly my dream job. I am excited to dive more into my work to provide the best education and support to Women and Children’s Services, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, and the Breast Care Center. I feel so honored to be recognized as Employee of the Month because it indicates to me that, even when I have bad days and doubt my impact, I am making a difference to someone. And to know that I was nominated by my peers makes it that much more humbling.”
When Bjalme isn’t busy making a difference in the community, she is a creator and is passionate about art, food, and music. She is often inspired by The Great British Baking Show and loves to cook and bake challenging recipes. Most recently, she made macarons for the first time. She also draws custom colored pencil pet portraits for people, where she has been inundated with requests. She is trying to be better about finding time to play the guitar, and loves the satisfaction of doing home improvement and landscaping projects. “I completely renovated our bathroom myself after our house flooded,” said Bjalme. “Except for replacing the light fixture because I am terrified of being electrocuted.” She also loves to garden, hike, run, and kayak, and is currently learning Italian. Bjalme appreciates the support of her wonderful husband, Kane, who is a massage therapist in State College, and is grateful for the love of her four-year-old son and two-year-old son. She also has three dogs and two cats.
We applaud Bjalme’s incredible contributions to our organization, and celebrate her service to the community. With 2,400 amazing employees, serving 19 locations throughout the Centre region, being selected as Employee of the Month is an incredible honor! Please join us in congratulating Bjalme.