Erin Burchfield, RN, Mount Nittany Health Emergency Department, is an incredibly valued member of her team and the Mount Nittany Health organization. She is described as an unbelievably kind soul who offers nothing but warmth and compassion to each patient she cares for. She also continually acts in a positive yet professional manner taking the time to see that her colleagues feel supported, not only in their work, but also in their personal lives. For these reasons and so many more, Erin was recently selected as the November 2024 Employee of the Month.
Erin received many thoughtful nominations from multiple providers, clinicians, and support staff. She was nominated for epitomizing all of Mount Nittany Health’s values and for providing a 5-star Mount Nittany Health Experience.
Her nominators said, “Erin is an absolute joy to work with and exceptional at her job. She is never without a smile and she maintains a positive attitude even when circumstances are dire. She is levelheaded and remains a highly competent caregiver, even during the most stressful situations. Working alongside Erin puts my mind at ease and makes me feel proud to be part of Mount Nittany Health. If I were seeking treatment here, I would be overjoyed to have her caring for me, knowing I am in the most capable, thoughtful, and caring hands. Erin is also a wonderful leader in her department. She goes above and beyond for her colleagues, always checking on her teammates to ensure they do not need anything. Part of her nomination stated, ‘Erin made my transition from being a student to being an RN an awesome experience.’ Erin wants everyone to feel appreciated, so we hope she knows how appreciated she is in return.”
Erin currently resides in Altoona and has worked at Mount Nittany Health for two and a half years. She first served the health system as an agency nurse before becoming a staff nurse in May 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Penn State Behrend. Before joining Mount Nittany Health, Erin worked as an RN in the Emergency Department at UPMC Altoona.
Erin was grateful to be nominated as Employee of the Month and acknowledged what an honor it was to receive the award. “Reading some of the comments people wrote for my nomination was honestly so touching and meaningful,” said Erin. “I work with an amazing group of people who have always given me somewhere to belong. As someone who has spent a lot of my life on the outside looking in, I’m so grateful for the people who surround me here.”
When Erin isn’t busy making a difference in the lives of her patients and colleagues, she enjoys crocheting and traveling. She said, “I actually just taught myself to crochet with TikTok and YouTube videos and love it. I am also a huge National Park enthusiast and try to visit one or two each year. On shorter summer weekends you can find me with my family at a campground relaxing.”
Erin is grateful for her family: her husband, Andy; and her children, Ben and Graham.
We are fortunate to have Erin as part of our team and congratulate her on this incredible honor. Erin, thank you for all you do for our patients, and your colleagues, and for exemplifying the Mount Nittany Health Experience.