Erin Rominger, MSN

Current Position: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

I chose Gwynedd Mercy University for its strong nursing reputation and close-knit community feel. I loved that I’d have direct access to professors who truly invested in their students through one-on-one mentoring.

My decision was also influenced by my family. My aunt is a GMercyU alum and oncology nurse, and my grandfather was a radiation oncologist who was deeply involved in the Mercy mission in Philadelphia.

Experience in Nursing Program

I’ve wanted to be a pediatric nurse practitioner since I was a child. I had an incredible experience with my own PNP growing up, and she really shaped how I view health promotion and patient guidance. Combined with my family’s legacy in healthcare, I felt called to care for children and families during some of their most vulnerable moments.

As a Nursing major, I had a truly meaningful experience. I completed some of my clinical rotations at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which was an amazing opportunity to learn in one of the top pediatric hospitals in the world. I was always drawn to pediatrics, and over time developed a deep interest in orthopedics and musculoskeletal health.

Dr. Karen Loving was one of the professors who had the greatest impact on me. When I started clinicals, I felt shy and behind compared to others with prior healthcare experience, but she saw my potential and encouraged me to build confidence in my skills. Her mentorship made a lasting difference in my growth as a nurse. Dr. Patricia Brown O’Hara was also instrumental in my preparation for the nursing board exam.

Being a Mercy nurse means embodying compassion, service, and empathy every day. I strive to provide truly family-centered care seeing each patient as part of a greater whole and ensuring families feel supported and informed. I also value service through outreach and volunteering in rural and underserved communities. I’m proud that GMercyU laid the foundation for my nursing journey and helped shape me into the clinician I am today.

Campus Life

I was also involved in the Student Nurses Association and made lifelong friendships during my time at GMercyU. Many of my college roommates are now nurses who have advanced into leadership, certification, or advanced practice roles. We still stay connected and continue to support one another’s growth that sense of community truly started at GMercyU.

Post-Graduation

After graduation, I began my career in pediatric home care, working with children who were ventilator and trach dependent. That experience taught me so much about resilience, family-centered care, and advocacy. I then moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where I spent nearly five years working directly with three pediatric orthopedic surgeons at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). It was there that I discovered my passion for pediatric orthopedics. I assisted in surgery, worked in clinic, helped with wound care, casting, x-rays, and patient education, and developed a love for combining technical skill with compassionate care.

Throughout my career, I’ve also participated in pediatric and orthopedic conferences, given school talks on healthcare careers, and remained dedicated to continuous learning. In 2021, I returned to MUSC to pursue my Master of Science in Nursing as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and graduated in August 2025. I’m now board certified and excited to continue a lifelong career in pediatrics.