Meet Alycia Ham, CRNP, DNP
Alycia Ham, CRNP, DNP, is a registered certified nurse practitioner who is certified in inpatient obstetrics. She serves gynecological and obstetrical patients at Einstein Ob/Gyn Associates in Jenkintown and Philadelphia.
Dr. Ham recently shared her thoughts about how her career developed, how she came to Einstein and her interests outside of work.
Q: Why did you decide to become a nurse practitioner?
A: That decision probably started over 17 years ago when I first became a registered nurse and worked in labor and delivery. I had several patients come in who just did not understand the process of childbirth. So I saw this as a lack of education and thought, “How can I make a difference?”
In my own life, I also needed to know more about how to take care of myself as I was getting older. So these things came together as I looked at ways to educate myself and other women. I thought about the impact I could have in a woman’s life and how I could bring them up to speed about their health, during pregnancy and after.
Q: Where did you receive your education and training?
A: I attended Oral Roberts University, but it was a financial struggle for my single mother, so I joined the Army and became a paramedic. Later, while in the military, I decided to become a nurse. First, I became a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and then continued my education to receive my Bachelor of Science in Nursing to be a registered nurse (RN). I received my nursing degree from LaSalle University in 2003.
Then I attended Drexel University to earn my master’s degree in 2011. I completed my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Drexel in 2016. My degree involved a combination of clinical work and research, but more clinical, which is what I prefer. Nursing, to me, is always more about caring for the patient’s needs.
Q: Do you have a certain clinical area of interest?
A: My doctoral dissertation focused on serving minority women living in Philadelphia who migrated to America from other countries and speak little or no English. It is a huge challenge to ensure they are appropriately cared for and get the childbirth education they need.
Q: How do you know when your teaching is working?
A: Well, when patients receive quality care and education, you know by their response and if they return for service as recommended. If they have a problem, they follow up, and they come back each year for their annual exams.
I work to teach people how to care for themselves as they mature, and about the importance of screenings, such as mammograms, Pap smears, and colonoscopies. Some people might not be compliant on a daily basis, but they hear you and understand the importance of caring about their health. Most patients listen and, more importantly, I listen to them.
Q: Do you have a favorite movie?
A: That’s easy! The Wizard of Oz. I watch it every year. I met my husband on the day it came on TV. We found out later we were both watching it at the same time.
As a child, we didn’t have a color TV, and so when I saw the movie in color for the first time it amazed me! I didn’t know it switched to color when Dorothy went to Oz. For years, I had a Dorothy doll I kept in a curio cabinet, but when my 3-year-old saw it, she took that Dorothy and now it’s hers. I need to get a new one for my cabinet!
Q: Do you have a favorite sports team?
A: Oh, I’m a Philly sports fan. I love our Eagles. I also watch the 76ers, Phillies and Flyers. I used to do Nurses Week and we’d pass out hats for the Phillies and Eagles games.
Q: What is your favorite vacation spot?
A: Disney World. We go every year. We’ve taken our daughter there, but had to cancel this year’s trip in March and then cancel the trip we rescheduled for this November due to COVID-19. But we’ll get back there again. We’re sorry to miss Disney, but it’s more important for everyone to stay safe.
Q: What is something people might not know about you?
A: I sing in the gospel choir and the praise team at my church, which means we start the service off by bringing everyone into worship. I also volunteer as a nurse at church. The most important part of that job is to attend to people at funerals and during services.
Learn more about Einstein Obstetrics and Gynecology services.
