“The backbone of our program.” “The stabilizing force on the unit.” “A role model representing the gold standard for nursing.” These are only a few of the phrases used to describe two of the newest members of Penn Medicine’s Distinguished Nurse Clinician Academy (DNCA). Last month, Penn Presbyterian Medical Canter’s Kristine Chestnut, MS, BSN, RN, a clinical nurse IV on 4 Wright, and Brendalyn Tanio, BSN, RN, PCCN, a clinical nurse III on Cupp 3 East, were honored for their exceptional contributions and inducted into the fourth cohort of the DNCA.
Each year, the DNCA welcomes a select group of nurses who exemplify clinical excellence, are eager to pursue further knowledge, champion patient- and family-centered care, and serve as educators, role models, and teammates for their colleagues. The highly selective academy recognizes nurses across all settings who go above and beyond as they balance patient care, research, and community outreach, promote best practices, and drive forward Penn’s culture of service.
For clinical director Lisa Triantos, MSN, RN, CEN, NE-BC, Chestnut’s “vast knowledge and experience” make her a trusted resource, which is unsurprising given the 37 years of nursing and list of certifications under her belt. In addition to her clinical work, she has served on the Unit Council, Communication and Professional Development committees, and Nursing Shared Governance Leadership Council (NSGLC).
Using her passion for research as a springboard, Chestnut facilitated a study investigating self-efficacy and cocaine abstinence. She’s currently researching how length of stay affects patient motivation and is awaiting approval to investigate Reiki as a form of alternative pain management. Chestnut sees a direct connection between improving health and opening patients up to better opportunities. She is committed to breaking the cycle of addiction by promoting evidence-based practices and purposeful leisure activities, and even after patients are discharged, she continues to support them through the Addiction Services Alumni Association.
“Kris consistently remains nurturing and firm in guiding our patients to sober living, and her experience, knowledge, and demeanor cannot be taught, quantified, or duplicated,” said nurse manager Meg Spicer, BSN, RN-BC. For her patients, she is “a lighthouse in a storm.”
Chestnut shows this same dedication to her colleagues; as Bonnie Starkes, RN, BSN, MC, said, “I’ve never had a coworker or friend with the same compassion, drive, strength, and ambition as Kris.” Aside from serving as a preceptor, mentor, and cheerleader, she frequently moves her own shifts around to accommodate others’ needs. Her leadership and empowering spirit even inspired Kevin L. Mitchell, RN, BSN, to pursue a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. “Kris instilled in me the desire to help my patients explore their motivation for recovery,” he said. “She is the heart and soul of our unit and always promotes safety and respect, believing they work together in support of a therapeutic milieu.”
Equally beloved by patients and colleagues is Tanio, whose 21 years of nursing have been characterized by a steadfast dedication to improving care delivery, introducing evidence-based practices and products, and juggling process improvement projects — all while working at the bedside. “Brendalyn is vibrant, conscientious, and compassionate, and she quickly establishes a therapeutic relationship [with patients] that goes beyond the textbook,” said clinical director Patty Baroni, MSN, RN, NE-BC.
In her previous work as clinical resource manager and chair of the Products Committee, Tanio and an interdisciplinary team eliminated unnecessary products and streamlined purchases, ultimately saving PPMC more than $26,000 and earning her the Diane Lanham Leadership Award. Nurse manager Jennifer Nelson, MSN, RN, NE-BC, sees this as a clear example of her “ability to coordinate and collaborate” and her “dedication to improving the patient experience each and every day.”
Jim Kurtz, BSN, MPH, PCCN, also noted, “From the beginning, I realized Brendalyn was going to be an integral member of the team [but] I didn’t know how much of an asset she would be to all of Penn Medicine.” For example, Tanio has helped create nursing education videos, participated in unit projects, and supported Penn Hospice at Rittenhouse as they develop their unit council. As chair of the NSGLC for both PPMC and UPHS, she completed the NSGLC integration of LG Health and Penn Medicine Princeton Health and organized a leadership retreat. She also represented PPMC at a Magnet Conference and has helped nurses from China and South Korea pursue Magnet recognition.
Tanio’s passion and drive and the effort she pours into every role and project have had a ripple effect. “As my mentor, Brendalyn has played a pivotal role in encouraging me to become a strong, respected leader. Her hard work, dependability, honest, and commitment to quality and progress have inspired me,” said Helena Pittman, BSN, RN, CCRN, ATCN.
“I couldn’t be happier that Kristine and Brendalyn were selected to join this distinguished group,” said Jim Ballinghoff, MSN, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, CNO and associate executive director. “This recognition is well deserved! Both exemplify attributes that distinguish them as clinical experts and valued team members, and PPMC is grateful for their contributions to our patients, families, and community.”