Periop Celebrates CNOR Certification
PAH’s operating room nursing team recently received a commendation by the Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI) — a non-profit organization that promotes professional development and the advancement of perioperative nursing science. The team earned the CCI’s “CNOR Strong” designation in recognition of their high percentage of certified perioperative nurses. While certification is voluntary, it allows nurses to grow in their specialty, demonstrate their commitment to quality and safety, and positively impact patients. More than 50 percent of Pennsy’s eligible OR nurses made the extra effort to build their clinical knowledge and pass the CNOR exam.
“Research has shown that higher rates of certification correlate to better surgical patient outcomes,” said clinical nurse education specialist Margaret Vance, MSN, RN, CNOR. “This exciting recognition really speaks to the dedication of our nursing staff and to the success of their efforts to advance a culture of safety and professionalism.”
House Staff Week
Candy and coffee rounds, happy hours, and an ice cream social were some of the highlights of last month’s House Staff Week. This annual event provides an opportunity to express appreciation for the house staff who make significant impact on patient care, medical education, and research every day. Their dedication, curiosity, and eagerness to shape the future of medicine make them an invaluable part of the PAH community — and certainly deserving of a chance to relax and enjoy some free food.
“House staff are essential to Penn’s mission, and I’m proud to support our interns, residents, and fellows at Pennsylvania Hospital,” said Marialaina Scafidi, director of Graduate Medical Education and Academic Affairs at PAH. “My hope is that, throughout the week, all of our house staff felt recognized for their hard work, dedication, and their contributions to the UPHS team.”
Saying Farewell After 40+ Years
After more than 40 years of service, Margo Olivieri, MSN, RN, CCRN, nurse manager of the Endoscopy Center, and Ann Schwoebel, MSN, RNC-NIC, CRNP, a clinical nurse education specialist in the intensive care nursery (ICN), said a bittersweet farewell to Pennsy and hello to retirement.
Olivieri didn’t want much fanfare has she embarked on her new path, but her colleagues wanted to do something special to thank her for her dedicated service. They submitted photos and memories to Jack Huff RN, MSN, CNOR, director of the Endoscopy Center, who assembled a beautiful scrapbook full of memories. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with a lot of incredible people at Penn, but Margo is in a league of her own,” he said. “She leaves behind a legacy that all of us can aspire to.”
Schwoebel’s colleagues were also sad to see their beloved educator and mentor go, but they were eager to ensure this chapter ended with a celebratory sendoff — and plenty of cake. Reflecting on the compassion and commitment of her teammate, Elizabeth Quigley, MSN, RNC, NEA-BC, nurse manager of the ICN, noted, “Ann has been a trusted leader, a pioneer in nursing research, a driver of patient care improvements and staff engagement, and a shining light for PAH. Her legacy will live on for generations to come.”