Prior to joining Gwynedd Mercy University, Dr. Phalen served in multiple administrative positions at Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University) in the Jefferson College of Nursing, including most recently as Interim Dean for more than a year. She taught at both the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and Holy Family University before her arrival at Jefferson. Her area of clinical expertise is Neonatal Nursing functioning as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Practitioner.
At the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Phalen participated in several federally-supported research projects. In the Jefferson College of Nursing, she was responsible for the oversight of a major redesign of the undergraduate curriculum and its implementation. This innovative curriculum has received national recognition.
Following Jefferson’s merger with several area hospitals, Dr. Phalen was responsible for implementing the BSN program on the satellite campuses. She jointly led the process for creating business plans, building budgets, planning structural renovations, hiring and educating faculty, and securing the approval for these programs from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and accrediting agencies.
