Christopher Bautista

Current Position: RN at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and Graduate Student at The University of Pennsylvania

Story Posted: Summer 2025

From the moment I arrived, I felt a genuine sense of belonging. The welcoming atmosphere made it clear that this was a place where I could thrive, both personally and academically.

Christopher Bautista, a 2019 graduate of Ridley High School, always knew he wanted to become a nurse. During his college search, he discovered GMercyU. He loved his first visit to campus and the “home away from home” feeling it gave him.

“Seeing familiar faces, such as Ridley High School alumni who were thriving at GMercyU, reassured me that I could potentially succeed here as well. Meeting student leaders and members of the nursing faculty, who took the time to explain the curriculum and answer my questions, made it clear that this was a supportive environment where I would be guided and encouraged throughout my nursing journey."

Life on Campus

On campus, Christopher served as President of the Asian Student Association, where he organized and led several cultural and educational events, including GMercyU’s first International Night, a Lunar New Year Celebration, a field trip to the Jaisohn Memorial Foundation, and participation in Lower Gwynedd Elementary School’s International Night. He also led the charge in inviting guest speaker Stephanie Sun to campus and initiated a partnership with MakeUsVisiblePA to promote cultural awareness and advocacy within the broader community.

As a member of Student Government Association (SGA), Christopher collaborated with campus leadership to revise the academic calendar, successfully advocating for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth to be recognized as non-instructional days. He also addressed student concerns, helped to foster a more inclusive campus climate, and assisted in planning University events like Griffin Madness.

Christopher served as both an Orientation Leader and Orientation Assistant for New Student Orientation, helping to welcome new first-year students to campus. As Orientation Leader, Christopher led his peers during Orientation sessions, guided new students through information sharing, and worked with faculty and staff to create a welcoming environment. In his role as Orientation Assistant, Christopher supported his peers and acted as a key resource for Orientation Leaders to perform in their roles effectively.

In addition to his involvement in clubs and organizations, Christopher was a member of the Griffin Student Leadership Institute. He participated in leadership development workshops focused on enhancing professionalism, community engagement, and personal leadership skills through interactive sessions within academic and civic environments. Towards the end of the program, Christopher created the publication The Triangle: Exploring Leadership in a Personal, School, and Social Setting, reflecting on the integration of leadership across multiple settings.

Christopher was also a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Iota Kappa Chapter and Sigma Phi Sigma, the National Mercy Honor Society.

“Working along with Alexandra Jabara-Jonhston, Andrew Harbaugh, Dr. Rouseline Emmanuel-Frenel, Jeffery Wallace, Betsy Stone Plummer, Stephanie Alderfer, and Dr. Kang SoYoung greatly supported my leadership development. Their guidance helped me refine my skills and build confidence in my ability to lead effectively within both academic and professional settings,” shared Christopher.

Life as a Student-Athlete

For two years, Christopher was a student-athlete on GMercyU’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams, and acted as a representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He was a consistent member of the Atlantic East Conference (AEC) All-Academic Team.

“Balancing my academic responsibilities with athletic commitments required careful planning and communication. I maintained transparency with both my professors and coach, and informed them in advance of any schedule conflicts. My coach’s flexibility with training further supported my ability to manage coursework, practices, and meets effectively,” Christopher shared.

Volunteer Work

Through his involvement on campus, Christopher also engaged in several volunteer opportunities. In conjunction with the Asian Student Association, Christopher collaborated with the Home and School Association to create an International Night event for Lower Gwynedd Elementary School. The event helped to promote cultural awareness through presentations of traditional foods, posters, and artifacts that represented diverse countries and traditions. With Christopher’s help, the event fostered an environment of inclusivity and global understanding within the school community.

Alongside his peers, Christopher also participated in service-focused experiences focused on community service projects on campus. He assisted in the creation of feminine hygiene kits for Project Haiti, organized and distributed books for a local book drive, and assisted with planning a monarch butterfly garden to support environmental sustainability efforts on campus.

As a Peer Mentor within the Integrated Studies program, Christopher provided academic and social support to his students with the goal of promoting independence, inclusion, and student success within the greater campus community.

Why Nursing?

I chose nursing because I am deeply drawn to its foundation in lifelong learning. The field of nursing continuously teaches both clinical and life skills that extend far beyond the hospital setting. These skills are valuable not only for my professional development, but also for supporting my friends, family, and the broader community. Nursing allows me to grow in both technical skills and personal character, making it a profession that aligns with my values and goals.

Nursing Program Experience

“My favorite part about Gwynedd Mercy University is the accessibility of the professors and staff, as well as the meaningful relationships that develop with them. They took the time to get to know who I am and understand my capabilities. If I had any questions or needed to speak with them, I was always able to reach out without any difficulty,” Christopher said.

In addition to being a student in the nursing program, Christopher was also a member of GMercyU’s Honors Program. While his studies were academically rigorous, Christopher appreciated the challenges and his educational journey at GMercyU. Both programs allowed him to grow not only as a student, but also as an individual, allowing him to gain a strong foundation in clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and professional development.

“I was fortunate to have exceptional advisors who greatly influenced my academic experience,” Christopher shared. “Dr. Ann Marie Welsh and Dr. Patrick Messina guided me since my first year at Gwynedd Mercy University. Their mentorship was instrumental to my success. They offered thoughtful and meaningful advice, tips, and support that I continue to apply in both my professional and personal life.”

Other professors who had a profound impact on Christopher’s experience include Professor Michelle Kusterbeck, Professor Maria Jordan, Professor Jennifer Kelly-Connolly, Professor Corrie Pallante, Professor Andrea Mann, Dr. Felicia Corsaro-Barbieri, Dr. Michael Clinton, Dr. Patricia Brown O’Hara, and Dr. Maria Warnick. Each challenged Christopher academically, encouraged him to grow, and helped him develop a deeper love for learning.

“Their commitment to student success enriched my college experience and shaped me into the nurse I am today,” Christopher shared.

Clinical Experience

Christopher completed several clinical rotations across a variety of healthcare settings including Jefferson Lansdale Hospital, Grandview Hospital, Holy Redeemer Hospital, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Great Valley High School Nurse’s Office, and Bayada Health. In each rotation, Christopher gained valuable hands-on experience in delivering patient-centered care across diverse populations and clinical environments.

Some of his responsibilities included performing physical assessments, administering medications, conducting accuchecks, and providing wound care. He also assisted with bedside care, activities of daily living (ADLs), monitoring vital signs, and communication with patient families. Christopher worked closely with unit staff to ensure coordinated and compassionate care.

Throughout his training, Christopher developed proficiency in using the EPIC electronic health record system for documentation and patient charting, helping to strengthen his clinical judgment, communication skills, and ability to function effectively within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

“My biggest takeaway from clinical was the importance of taking full advantage of every opportunity to learn. I made it a priority to be actively involved by asking nurses if I could perform nursing skills alongside them. The more I applied myself and engaged in hands-on experience, the more I was able to grow in both confidence and competence. Clinicals taught me that initiative, curiosity, and collaboration are essential to developing as a nurse,” said Christopher.

Life After GMercyU

Following his graduation from GMercyU in May 2023, Christopher went on to pass the NCLEX and begin his nursing career at Lankenau Medical Center where he transitioned from a Floater Patient Care Technician to a Registered Nurse in the Orthopedic Medical-Surgical/Telemetry Unit. In recognition to his contributions to patient care and collaboration within his team, Christopher was nominated for the Nursing Excellence Award in September 2023.

After working at Lankenau Medical Center for one year, Christopher moved to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center to work as a Registered Nurse on a Medical-Surgical Oncology Unit. He is also a professional tutor at GMercyU, helping students with various nursing topics and preparing them to take the NCLEX.

Outside of work, Christopher is pursuing his Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Health Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing with a minor in Transformative Nursing Education.

“This program has allowed me to further develop as a future nurse leader and educator. My professional interests include Nursing Student Development, Nursing Education, and Leadership in an Academic and Clinical Setting,” Christopher shared.