Maryanne Halligan
Maryanne Halligan, DNP, is the Director of the Raynier Institute and Foundation Center for Advanced Education, Simulation, and Innovation (CAESI) at Thomas Jefferson University. With 29 years of experience in healthcare as a registered nurse, she has spent over a decade in educator roles, specializing in pediatric critical care, simulation-based education, and palliative care. Maryanne holds certifications as a Pediatric CCRN and as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator, reflecting her dedication to advancing clinical practice through innovative educational strategies.
Throughout her career, Maryanne has been recognized for her excellence in nursing education, receiving numerous professional awards and poster presentations. Most recently, she earned first place at the International Nurse Association for Simulation and Clinical Learning for her work on the Nurse Resident program and simulation initiatives. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Drexel University in 2019, further enhancing her expertise in nursing leadership and education.
In her current role, Maryanne leads the development and implementation of advanced simulation programs and clinical education initiatives that prepare nurses for the complexities of modern healthcare. She is passionate about mentoring and supporting nurses to achieve their full potential, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, clinical excellence, and lifelong learning. Her leadership is defined by her commitment to improving patient care outcomes through education, innovation, and the professional growth of nursing staff.
• Certfied Healthcare Simulation Educator
• Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)
• Drexel University
• Poster Award
• International Nurses Association
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be a strong team leader, communicate clearly and confidently, and continue my education. I focus on making a difference every day by helping as many people as I can and approaching each day with purpose.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this field to be passionate about what they do and not be afraid to voice their opinions. It’s important to get back up when things don’t go as planned, believe in yourself and your capabilities, and always keep learning.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, one of the biggest challenges in my field is keeping up with and adapting to all the changes in healthcare. At the same time, it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping as many patients and people as I can each day, always giving my very best.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are giving my best every day, never giving up, and showing kindness to others. I also deeply value teaching and mentoring other nurses, helping them grow and succeed in their careers.