Esma Paljevic

Dr. Esma Paljevic is a clinician, educator, and scholar whose career reflects a distinguished record of leadership, innovation, and service in nursing and healthcare education. She has presented internationally and published extensively, contributing to the advancement of clinical practice, ethics, genetics in healthcare, and nursing pedagogy.

She launched the first cardiogenetics clinic in the New York City area, providing specialized care to families affected by the sudden cardiac loss of a loved one. Her research has examined the impact of genetic testing on families in underserved metropolitan communities and extended into studies exploring the therapeutic role of family pets in the lives of children with cerebral palsy. Her scholarly work reflects a commitment to addressing health disparities and improving patient and family experiences through research-driven, compassionate care.

In academia, Dr. Paljevic has been a dedicated educator, teaching courses in ethics, pediatrics, and genetics in healthcare. In 2020, she was appointed director of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the Pace University Lienhard School of Nursing, where she introduced innovative curricular strategies and advanced student success. Two years later, her leadership was further recognized when she was elected chair of the Department of Undergraduate Studies. In 2023, she was appointed associate dean, a role in which she oversees academic programs, faculty development, and operations, including management of the University Health Care Center, a nurse practitioner-led practice serving the Pace University community.

Beyond her institutional leadership, Dr. Paljevic is actively engaged in global health. Since 2023, she has been a strong supporter of HEAL Haiti, championing initiatives to expand access to nursing education and healthcare delivery in underserved regions. Her advocacy underscores a broader commitment to equity and excellence in global health systems.

Her leadership style is defined by inclusivity, mentorship, and innovation. She is widely recognized for her ability to inspire faculty, mentor students, and strengthen academic and clinical excellence across all levels of nursing education.

EdD, Executive Leadership Program
St. John Fisher College at the College of New Rochelle
New Rochelle, NY
2011

MA, Nursing
New York University
New York, NY
2003

BSN, Nursing
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY
1998

AAS, Nursing
CUNY Staten Island
Staten Island, NY
1986

• National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)
• National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP), Greater New York (GNY), president
• Northeast Cardiology Nurses Association (NPCNA)
• Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals (SICP)
• Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)

• AIT 245: Data and Emerging Communication Technology
• BIO 264: Microbiology
• CHP 244: Genetics for the Future of Health Care
• HSC 300: Genetics in Health Care
• MAT 260: History of Mathematics
• NUR 395: Independent Study in Nursing
• NURS 298: Evidence-Based Practice
• NURS 330: Pharmacology
• NURS 350: Child Health Nursing
• NURS 360: Medical Surgical Nursing: Foundations
• NURS 400: Foundations of Oncology Nursing
• NURS 402: Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
• NURS 404: Communication for Professional Nursing
• NURS 409: Concepts of Evidence-based Practice
• NURS 416: Clinical Management in Child Health Nursing
• NURS 422: Pharmacology for Professional Nursing
• NURS 426: Organizational and Systems Leadership in Nursing
• NURS 448: Ethics and Excellence in Professional Nursing
• NURS 474: Leadership and Management
• NURS 478: Ethics and Excellence in Nursing
• NURS 480: Transition into Professional
• NURS 650: Advanced Theory and Practice I for Family Nurse Practitioners
• NURS 850: Ethical Choices and Legal Context for the Advanced Practiced Nurse