Monika Baldan
Monika Baldan is a Learning Management System (LMS) specialist and project management professional with extensive experience developing and managing strategic digital learning solutions. She currently serves as Senior Learning Management System Specialist at the Emergency Nurses Association, where she designs and supports innovative online learning programs for emergency nursing professionals. Known for her strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative approach, Monika works at the intersection of technology and education to create meaningful, accessible, and engaging learning experiences that support both learners and organizational objectives.
Monika has been with the Emergency Nurses Association for more than six years, a journey marked by continuous growth and professional development. She initially joined the organization as an administrative assistant, bringing with her prior experience in administrative support that allowed for a smooth transition into the role. Recognizing her potential, her director encouraged her to pursue a new opportunity as a Learning Management System coordinator an entirely new field for Monika. Embracing the challenge, she immersed herself in learning the platform and its capabilities, building her expertise through training, collaboration with colleagues and vendors, and a strong commitment to asking questions and expanding her knowledge. Through dedication and hands-on experience, she steadily advanced to her current role as Senior Learning Management System Specialist.
Today, Monika leads the development and delivery of online education programs that support emergency nurses across the United States and internationally. She builds and manages digital learning components for courses ranging from recertification modules to the association’s flagship programs, including the Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course and the Trauma Nursing Core Course. These programs combine classroom-based, hands-on instruction with robust online learning environments that include teaching content and exams. With courses offered globally in multiple languages and updated through regular certification cycles, Monika takes pride in knowing the education she helps deliver directly supports emergency nurses in providing high-quality patient care. Her work contributes to strengthening clinical knowledge and ultimately improving patient outcomes in emergency settings around the world.
• Trauma Nursing Core Course 9th Edition Provider Badge
• GENE: High-Risk Patients Badge
• Geriatric Emergency Nursing Education Level I 2.0 Badge
• Emergency Nurses Association - Project Leadership Badge (Oct./Nov. 2022)
• Northeastern Illinois University - BS in Marketing
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having a very high work ethic, which is something I've had from a very young age. I started working when I was 15, and I think I take that dedication from my parents. That strong work ethic, combined with being very honest, transparent, and loyal at work, has gotten me very far at all my employers and everywhere that I've worked at so far. I've never relied on just one specific mentor, but rather it's been a collaboration of a lot of different colleagues at ENA who have helped me along the way. They've always answered my questions, were always willing to help, or would ask other people to jump in when needed. By staying curious, asking lots of questions, and building strong relationships with professionals around me, I've been able to continuously learn and grow in my role.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Through collaboration and shared expertise, she has been able to grow professionally and develop her technical and educational skills within the organization.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Ask a lot of questions. Don't be scared. I know that at first, the systems can be very daunting and scary, and even I, at first, was like, how am I going to even understand and comprehend this, since I don't even have a background in this? That's not what I went to college or got my bachelor's degree for. It's not anywhere near the technology or IT part of the world, and that's not at all what I graduated with. So everything might seem a little bit scary at first because it's new, but with time, you really just need to take your time, ask a lot of questions, and reach out to other professionals. Really know that it will all come together.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think innovation with online courses is really big right now, especially with AI coming in and a lot of accessibility issues that we need to address. Since we work with our vendors internationally, sometimes it is difficult from system to system and from country to country to make sure that our courses are accessible everywhere and on every platform. Obviously, everyone uses different software and different platforms, so that can be sometimes very challenging to make sure that everyone, everywhere has the same course available to them at the same time. At the same time, I see opportunities in being able to speak up and innovate, bringing new technologies and approaches to make online learning more accessible and effective for healthcare professionals around the world.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are having a high work ethic, being honest, transparent, and loyal. These are values I've carried with me since I started working at age 15, and I think I learned them from my parents. In my personal life, I really value family above everything else. I just like being with my family, hanging out with them, and being able to travel with them. Having that work-life balance where I can spend quality time with my family and friends is really important to me. We recently went to Poland last summer, which was my first time taking my kids to where I grew up, where I'm from, where I was born. It was wonderful to show them my home country, where my husband and I are from. Being able to create those meaningful experiences and memories with my family is what matters most to me.