Valerie Kovalick
MSN-Ed., RN
Instructor
University Park
Email: vok5080@psu.edu
Kovalick is a dedicated nursing educator and leader with expertise in clinical instruction, simulation-based learning, and patient-centered care. With a Master of Science in Nursing focused on nursing education from Penn State University, she bridges clinical practice and academia to prepare students for the complexities of healthcare.
As a Nursing Instructor, Kovalick leads clinical experiences in health assessment, fundamentals, and adult medical-surgical nursing. She also teaches the RN-BSN capstone course through World Campus and the Dying and Death course in a hybrid format at University Park. Previously, as a Simulation Lab Coordinator at Pennsylvania College of Technology, she enhanced nursing education through innovative, realistic simulations.
Her clinical experience spans acute care, outpatient services, and case management. Passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration and quality improvement, she has contributed to committees focused on medication safety, diabetes mentorship, and student success.
A member of NLN, AACN, and Sigma Theta Tau, Kovalick is committed to developing skilled, compassionate nurses who will shape the future of healthcare.
Education
- MSN-Ed., Penn State, BSN, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Teaching
Courses Taught
- NURS405A: Nursing Care of the Adult Client with Complex Health Problems, Part A, Clinical Instructor
- NURS251: Health Assessment, Clinical Instructor
- NURS475: Integrated Concepts in Nursing Practice, Instructor
- NURS230: Introduction to the Fundamentals of Nursing, Clinical Instructor
- NURS464: Dying and Death (Taught and re-developed/revised), Instructor
Clinical Expertise and Areas of Specialization
PRIMARY:
- Acute care (Medical-Surgical and Medical-Telemetry)
- Outpatient Care and Case Management
Mentorship
- Foundations for Online Teaching Certificate
Research
Research Interests and Areas of Expertise
- Adult Nursing and Geriatrics
Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement Projects
- Quality Improvement Projects (currently in-process) – evaluating effectiveness of outpatient procedure scheduling processes for non-ambulatory patients.
- Transitions of care
Service
Professional Organization Involvement and Fellowships
MEMBERSHIPS
- AACN
- NLN
- Sigma Theta Tau
- AMSN (Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses)
Policy and Advocacy Work
- Member of local Ambulance Service – contributed to collection of data regarding number of calls, memberships and donations in determining pricing of annual memberships.
- Member of Evidence-Based Practice Committee with local Clinical partner – assists in evaluating clinical competencies for most up to date EBP and research.
Interprofessional Collaboration, Community Engagement, and Global Health
- Collaboration with Mount Nittany Medical Center: Working with Organizational and Professional Development during Doctoral Practicum coursework to review and make recommendations for their Nurse Residency Program.
- Volunteer work: Member of local ambulance service, attending monthly meetings, providing in-house training for new members to recruit EMRs and EMTs.
- Volunteer work: Member of local cemetery committee, serving as secretary.
- Community Outreach & Advocacy: Coordinated large benefit dinner and basket raffle for local father diagnosed with brain cancer; Assisted in soliciting monetary support for a family who lost their house and possessions in a fire; Submitted a letter successfully requesting financial assistance for a local mother diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer.
Social Media
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-kovalick
Learn more about Interprofessional Education »
Download Kovalick’s Curriculum Vitae »
Last updated 8/5/2025
