Jess Baumgardner, BSN, DNP candidate

Jess Baumgardner, BSN, RN, is a pediatric registered nurse and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student at Emory University in the Pediatric Primary Care track. She practices at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health and Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, with a commitment to evidence-based practice, patient- and family-centered care, and improving healthcare delivery.

With a professional background spanning healthcare, wellness, health education, and marketing, Jess brings a multidisciplinary perspective to nursing leadership and innovation. Her professional interests include advancing evidence-based practice, improving patient outcomes, supporting nurse well-being, and translating clinical insights into practical, sustainable improvements in care.

Jess is leading a research pilot investigating the use of light therapy to improve alertness among night-shift nurses. She is a recipient of the Emerging Nurse Leader Award at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health and was selected for its 2026 Clinical Nurse Leadership Cohort.