Hello! My name is Lydia Ortman and I am a 4th year nursing student.

I am very driven and work 2 jobs that I am passionate about. I am employed at UPMC Altoona where I work as a patient care technician on the Medical Progressive Care Unit and have learned so much about nursing and patient care.

I am also employed at Punxsutawney Area Hospital where I work as a Nurse Extern in the Operating Room. My love for surgery began in high school and is an area I want to continue to pursue. This job provides me with the opportunity to learn more everyday about human anatomy and physiology as well as pathophysiology which gives me a deeper understanding of nursing.

I am currently a Senior pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at The Pennsylvania State University where I was accepted as a first year admit into the nursing program a year early. Here I have had the opportunity to experience clinicals in many different units and at different locations. I have made the Dean’s List 8 semesters and have been inducted into the Beta Sigma Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

My hometown is Kittanning Pennsylvania where I have grown up. After graduation, I plan to get married and move somewhere warmer. I love spending time outside and want to have a small farm with land.