Ryan Hrapczynski, BSN, RN, CEN, nurse manager for the Progressive Care Unit on Cupp 3 East at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
For the last 10 years, Ryan Hrapczynski, BSN, RN, CEN, worked in the Emergency Department (ED) at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (PPMC), most recently as charge nurse. During his time in the ED, he served on several committees, collaborating with administrators on key initiatives to improve patient flow and communication. Hrapczynski also served as the PPMC Nursing Shared Governance Leadership Council chair as well as chair for the entire University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) Nursing Shared Governance over the last year.
On February 20, Hrapczynski assumed his new position as nurse manager for PPMC’s Progressive Care Unit on Cupp 3 East. It’s a role he enthusiastically embraces (“I am loving it!”) and his team is equally excited to have him.
Patty Baroni, RN, MSN, NE-BC, clinical director of Heart & Vascular Nursing, said, “We were fortunate to have worked with Ryan in his previous roles, where we could see firsthand his personal aptitude for leadership and an eagerness to take on greater responsibility. When the nurse manager position on Cupp 3 East became available, Ryan seemed like a natural fit based on his previous work experience, where he demonstrated exceptional communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills.”
Baroni’s praise was echoed by Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer James Ballinghoff, DNP, MBA, RN. “Having had the good fortune to work side-by-side with Ryan as co-chairs for the Nursing Shared Governance Leadership Council, I saw his compassion and empathy for our patients, their families, and our community. Those attributes are evident in his leadership as well. He is so approachable, you immediately feel comfortable in his presence. It has been a pleasure to watch him grow as a person and a leader,” Ballinghoff said.
Hrapczynski now oversees a staff of 80 nurses, unit clerks, and nursing assistants. In addition to supporting his team in their day-to-day roles, he collaborates with physicians on any issues that may arise and on how best to serve their patients.
In addition to scuba diving, Ryan Hrapczynski, BSN, RN, CEN, (center) has a passion for Philadelphia sports and caught the 2022 NFC Championship-winning game with his friend (left) and dad (right)
We asked Hrapczynski three questions about his job and his life outside of work. Here’s what we learned:
1. Can you share one goal you hope to achieve in your new position?
This unit has always been highly regarded on many levels, from patient care to patient satisfaction. My goal is to build on that and really create an environment that allows everybody to be successful. I want our nurses to have the tools they need to provide the best care possible, and to foster a unit that people enjoy working in.
2. Do you have an approach or philosophy that guides you in this role?
Years ago, someone shared a quote with me about how good leaders are “fair and consistent,” and it stuck with me. Am I being fair? Am I being consistent? Those questions drive a lot of the decisions I make.
3. What would your colleagues be surprised to know about you?
I haven’t done it in a few years, but I always enjoyed scuba diving throughout different parts of the world. My favorite places have been out in Mexico, but I’ve also dived in Florida and a couple of local quarries here. About six years ago, I was even able to swim with whale sharks.