Julie A Nardella, Ph.D., MSN/Ed., R.N., C-TAGME, has always lived by the words “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us,” as written by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
And as a result she has developed daily goals which include challenging herself to identify and deploy innovative strategies that drive outcomes for those within the community who are in need.
As a nurse, Nardella applies the arts of caring and science in identifying those process changes that promote wellness for individuals, their families, and community. “No task is too daunting, and those obstacles that I may find along the way are considered as steppingstones in achieving my outcome”, explains the Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) at Maternal and Family Health Services.
The CCO guides and supports a clinical team comprised of medical professionals and community professionals at the MFHS’ Circle of Care in Scranton to provide obstetrical, reproductive health, behavioral health, LGBTQIA, WIC, and Nurse Family Partnership programs and services.
Through this innovation, which is slated to begin at MFHS’ new South Scranton location in May 2023, clients will receive comprehensive care through service integration in all service lines along with new services inclusive of ultrasound, laboratory, dental, primary and children’s care on site and in one location to mitigate access to care barriers often encountered in underserved individuals.
Beginning her career as a clinically focused labor and delivery nurse, she expanded her skill sets through career and educational advancement. Through additional, advanced leadership training and the attainment of her PhD in nursing, Dr. Nardella moved into a role as nursing educational leader and expanded into an executive role as CCO at MFHS. She learned clinical, operational, educational, and leadership from the ground up through her work as caregiver, nurse educator, and clinical leader.
“With the help of an amazing and supportive, vision-driven executive team, board of directors, and MFHS staff we are deploying a unique and innovative strategy to meet those underserved individuals who face daily care gaps and barriers to care access” she noted.
“My parents gave provided me with the foundations for a strong work ethic, drive, and a constant motivation to apply my gifts and talents in doing for others. This was reinforced by my sister, whose wish for me, as she courageously fought a terminal illness, was that I continue my education so that I could apply my gift of selfless caring to others. The love and support of my family continues today as I continue to humbly seek opportunities to help others,” she noted.
She is very appreciative of her team and their commitment to care excellence. “There is no greater motivation than knowing we are all are making a difference in someone’s life. It’s an honor to be part of such a committed team.”
Dr. Nardella is a member of Sigma Alpha Pi, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and Sigma Theta Tau International, the Honor Society of Nursing; and is active in several organizations to support her community and industry. Her most recent appointment is as the lead for the Northeast Regional Health Equity Action Team through the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Office of Health Equity.