Lillian Baldwin '23

For Lillian Baldwin ’23, nursing was more than just a career choice – it was a calling. Even as a little girl, she knew she wanted to work in medicine and to help others in their moments of need.

“Being there for people in their most vulnerable moments…it’s humbling and makes you feel very fulfilled,” Baldwin said.

After working in high school as a housekeeper for an assisted living center, Baldwin’s nursing journey led her to Pitt-Bradford, where her work in diverse clinical settings allowed her to determine the path of her nursing career and take her first steps into professional nursing.

Baldwin now works as a staff nurse in outpatient pulmonology at Mount Nittany Physician Group in State College, focusing on patients with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, asthma, and lung cancer. In her role, she performs procedures such as spirometry tests, which measure how much air a patient can breathe in and out of their lungs; triages patients; and helps to manage complex respiratory cases. It’s a highly specialized field, but one that Baldwin finds rewarding as she grows her skills.

“It’s not like anything I’ve ever experienced in nursing,” she said.

Baldwin’s experience in Pitt-Bradford’s nursing program was foundational to her career success, particularly the hands-on clinical rotations.

“The opportunity to choose my own clinicals was foundational for my nursing career,” Baldwin said.

The rigorous nature of the nursing program at Pitt-Bradford gave Baldwin the skills and confidence to enter the workforce as a prepared, capable nurse. From foundational med-surg clinicals to specialized experiences, Baldwin’s time in the program exposed her to a wide range of nursing environments.

“The Pitt-Bradford nursing program is challenging in the best way,” she said, explaining how the variety of clinical sites helped her understand different healthcare systems and patient populations. Each experience, whether in a hospital, rehab center, or school, gave her valuable insights into the world of nursing.

Baldwin also fondly remembers the professors who played a key role in her education. Mary Boser, she says, was instrumental in teaching clinical skills, while Martha Dibble’s expertise in psychiatric care opened her eyes to mental health nursing. Dr. Lisa Fiorentino instilled in Baldwin the importance of research and research ethics, while Dr. Jean Truman introduced her to the political side of nursing and encouraged nurses to have a voice in healthcare policymaking.

The diversity and flexibility of clinicals at Pitt-Bradford allowed her to explore different specialties. Her clinical rotation with a school nurse was when Baldwin knew she wanted to work with children, a long-term goal she’s pursuing.

While Baldwin is currently focused on her pulmonology work, her heart remains set on pediatric and neonatal care. She dreams of working in a neonatal intensive care unit or helping children with critical needs.

“I love working with kids. They're just such open minds and resilient in so many ways,” Baldwin said. “It's really inspiring to be around. Who wouldn't want to be part of that?”