Anne Panik, R.N., Administrator, Emergency Services, Trauma and Burn

She balanced her work and home life while moving up the nursing career ladder

When Anne Panik’s sons were young, she was faced with a tough decision: continue working full time or spend more time at home with her children? The answer came easily once she realized she didn’t have to sacrifice her career in nursing at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network or time with her family. She simply cut back her hours in the emergency department where she worked as an R.N.

“Nursing at LVHHN allows for that. I could care for my family while still maintaining my nursing skills in the emergency department.” says Panik, now a nursing administrator. “We help you find a schedule that allows you to care for your family, go back to school, whatever is important to you.”

It was in college that Panik discovered a love of science and then a love of nursing. Since then she has balanced her home and work life while moving up the nursing career ladder. Panik began her 27-year career in emergency nursing at Muhlenberg Hospital Center (now LVH-Muhlenberg). Eventually, she became the clinical supervisor of the emergency department and then the director of ambulatory care. Seven years ago, Panik was promoted to administrator and now oversees the emergency departments with Trauma and Burn Center.

Throughout this time, Panik also earned a master’s degree in human resources administration from the University of Scranton, Scranton, Pa., and certifications in emergency nursing and nursing administration. “I was very lucky,” says Panik, who now spends her free time with her family and granddaughter.

Her experience and drive has helped her lead major improvements in the emergency departments, including a program to reduce waiting times for patients and the incorporation of a new electronic patient charting system. When LVH-Muhlenberg opened its new hospital in Bethlehem, Panik ensured a smooth transition from the old hospital to the new patient tower for both patients and staff.

“I’ve found that no matter your goals, Lehigh Valley Hospital is an organization that will support you and help you achieve them,” she says. “We’ve got the resources, support and creativity to ensure you grow professionally, so that you can give patients first-rate care.”

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