Biography

Karen has 39 years of OR experience, 26 years as a CRNFA and 14 years as a travel nurse (CRNFA)/consultant working in settings such as ASCs, critical-access and large acute care hospitals. She has perioperative clinical experience in open heart, orthopedics, spine, neuro, vascular, general and endoscopy. Knapp has been very active within AORN, starting with her chapter in 1992, to serving on the AORN Board of Directors in 2013, Nominating Committee Chair in 2018, and eChapter Board of Directors in 2022. Knapp also currently sits on the Board of Directors of National Assistant at Surgery Certification as Vice President.

 One of Knapp’s outstanding contributions to direct patient care is through the promotion and certification of many more CRNFAs. She helped create the new CRNFA portfolio for certification. The direct impact on patient care is in the positive influence on outcomes that have been proven through certification.

Karen also received the AORN Outstanding Achievement in Perioperative Clinical Nursing Practice Award in 2023. She states: “I am planting a garden around the country of well-educated, professional, certified nurses that will continue to grow the legacy of best-practice and high-quality patient care.”

Currently Karen is an open heart RN/CRNFA back in her home community. She enjoys cardiac nursing and has had the opportunity to mentor many younger nurses, promoting AORN Guidelines and TJC standards. “Our younger nurses have much to offer yet also much to learn and mentoring and being a resource for them is a great way to help locally. Giving back to perioperative nursing through involvement with eChapter and AORN not only allows one to share their experience and energy, but it fills a professional need in my soul as well.”

Position Statement

I am currently an eChapter Board Member. I enjoy being an active AORN member, giving of my time and leadership experience to this great group (eChapter) of amazing nurses that also want to make a difference. We are a diverse group, from all over the world, reaching out as a common voice to support each other, learn new things and improve patient outcomes world-wide. Our goal has been to improve communications to members, and we have done that by increasing our Facebook and LinkedIn presence and updating our website. We have provided many educational sessions through the year and also make it accessible through the Enduring Library, anytime you want it. We will continue to strive for more ways to reach our members, like our townhalls and social hours.

I am running for president-elect because I want to keep this tide of networking and expansion rolling! If elected, I will continue to promote improved website access, working with our new webmaster committee. We must make access easy for all and pertinent information easy to find. I would also love to have at least two open networking/townhall style meetings so that eChapter members can discuss practice issues affecting themselves and/or their patients. We need to support each other in this crazy, fast-paced world, promoting professionalism, quality patient care and the care of our minds and souls.

Biography

Jaimeson is a perioperative nurse with 20+ years in the medical field. She started out as an EMT and worked in various hospital units while she obtained her Associates of Nursing (2009). She continued her education with a Bachelors in Nursing (2013) and a Masters in Nursing (2017) – with a focus on education. She has experience in the perioperative unit as a circulator, scrub, educator, charge nurse, and first assist. She has worked as both staff and as a traveler in various health systems across the US. She has also worked on the business side of healthcare as part of a team for a major healthcare consumables corporation. She currently works as a self-employed RNFA, providing surgical assist services to 8+ private surgical practices.

She has held leadership positions for the Alaska State AORN Chapter (Educator and Past President) as well as being on the Nominating Committee (member and current Chair) for the eChapter of AORN. She is CNOR certified and is working on obtaining her RNFA-C. She is board member for Adventures in Life ministries and was named their Medical Director in 2023. She is involved in medical service clinics in Mexico and other developing countries. She loves learning and education – especially newly minted perioperative nurses who are excited about the operating room and all its wonders and complexities.

Position Statement

I love eChapter and its ability to connect nurses and perioperative providers from all over the globe under one banner – allowing us to all share cooperatively in learning and growing our practices to be the best they can be. eChapter has no borders and is seemingly limitless in its capacity to connect us all in a way that no other chapter can. In addition – it can be an adjunct to any other chapter of AORN. The two are not mutually exclusive of each other.

I am running for Secretary of eChapter in order to grow my knowledge and understanding of just what the eChapter does and what it is able to accomplish. The role places you alongside the Presidents (Past, Current, and Future) as well as the Board of Directors and the leaders of all the other groups that make up the eChapter. The secretary has the ability to not only see first-hand what takes place from an administrative level, but also allows the individual to be mentored by those within that sphere.

Writing and organization are two of my favorite things and I know that there will be ample opportunity to utilize those skills.

Thank you for your consideration. 

Biography

Gert is a perioperative nurse with 30+ years of operating room experience as a circulator, scrub, educator, endoscopy nurse, and department manager. She earned her BSN in 1989, an MS in Nursing with an emphasis on education in 1998, and a PhD in Nursing in 2019. Throughout these years she worked as a second nurse in preop, phase I recovery, phase II recovery, and sterile processing.

Dr. Mayes has shared her perioperative knowledge and experience regionally, nationally, and internationally through multiple posters, podiums, and keynote presentations. She covered multiple topics including but not limited to perioperative nurses’ decisions to leave a position, surgical attire guideline adherence decisions, and the future of nursing education. She published her research on surgical attire guideline adherence in 2020 and has co-authored a study on perioperative nurses’ decisions to leave a job. Enhancing the evidence behind perioperative nursing and providing excellent care continue to be her lifelong passions.

Position Statement

My eChapter membership represents a part of my professional identity. By helping found and continuing to participate as an eChapter member, I have seen how our membership has impacted the operating room environment at all levels. Through our community, we come together, share best practices, discuss research and the implications, and then act. For example, multiple members have facilitated smoke evacuation legislation in their states, increased the visibility of perioperative nursing in local nursing programs, and mentored members who sought leadership positions on the local, regional, and national levels. Ultimately, my involvement in eChapter provides me with the opportunity to positively impact a larger community.

 As a Board of Directors member, I want to connect our passion for improving patient outcomes, our profession’s image, and our skill set to objective data. By visibly connecting our passion, outcomes, image, and skills to research outcomes, we will become the chapter of choice. We can do this by leveraging the strengths of our passionate membership.

My goal for serving on the Board of Directors is to continue improving healthcare outcomes and increasing membership engagement by
- Increasing our focus on developing the evidence on which to base our practice
- Identifying the barriers to active membership engagement
- Decreasing the barriers to active membership engagement, and
- Meeting the needs of our diverse membership.

By serving on the eChapter Board of Directors, I propose holding events that focus on supporting and enhancing our diverse member- ship and patient populations. Examples of these events include holding a journal club offering to explore the history of nurses of color and nursing outside of the United States.

Additionally, we must establish a committee that breaks down the needs of our diverse membership – are there differences among our cultures, races, etc. and act upon that data. Finally, I foresee eChapter celebrating the diversity of our membership during national and international celebratory events such as Pride Month, Black History Month, and Ethnic Equality Month through social media and activities.

Biography

I am the Unit-based Educator in the West OR at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, which is a level 1trauma center and academic teaching hospital. In addition to my local responsibilities, I also function as the coordinator for robotics and new technology.

As a UBE I work to establish individualized measurable orientation and education goals for nurses, technologists and attendants. My job allows me to develop educational programs that contribute to the growth and development of perioperative personnel based on needs assessment and evidence-based best practices. I serve on many institutional and departmental committees representing perioperative services to promote the mission of the hospital in fact, I am our division’s point person for both Simulation Education and Emergency Management.

As the coordinator of robotics and new technology I collaborate with the Directors, Clinical Advisors, OR Material Manager, Clinical manager of OR Scheduling, staff, physicians and external departments to research the impact of the new technology to the operating room as well as patient’s post op course. In addition, I partner with clinical staff to develop and implement process improvements related to quality, patient safety, efficiency, room organization, instrumentation, supplies and equipment

Position Statement

I believe my two strongest leadership skill sets is being a strong communicator and being politically savvy. Communication is vital to being a successful leader as this includes listening to people as well as getting a message across to them. Everyone is charged with many tasks while caring for patients in the operating room and we all have a lot on out mind during these moments. As nurses we can never over-communicate a message to each other or to our team members. In the end we all have a common goal of keeping patients safe during surgery. As a leader for AORN I will keep in mind we have a wide spectrum of members that bring a wealth of knowledge to our profession. As these members communicate with one another they may do it in different ways and it’s important to tap into the knowledge that each group brings.

In addition to communicating, we must listen to one another and respect each other’s opinion. While caring for a patient I may do something different from another nurse working with me but if we communicate and listen to one another we understand where each other are coming from. Listening to a colleague and validating what they are telling you is important to keep them engaged as a member of the team. Leaders who understand the culture of an organization, the role and responsibilities of the departments and who the key decision makers are in these areas define someone who is politically savvy. As a leader I want to build partnerships with other departments so there is an open line of communication between groups. Also, these partnerships will help you both understand the workflow in your area and the process to achieve a goal. Having a wide network of relationships will allow me to have more information to keep my finger on the pulse.

As a leader it’s important to keep conflict to a minimum, one way I will avoid conflict is by working closely with someone who may be considered an adversary. These individuals want to be sure their concern is heard and making sure it’s done in a constructive way. At my institution I have a strong reputation as someone who is trustworthy and dependable to deliver what I say I am going to do. I am respectful and genuine to everyone I encounter no matter what role they are in, everyone is a part of the team and plays an important role caring for the patient. As I embark on my new role I am committed and enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead.

Biography

Alecia has 40 years’ experience in Perioperative, medical surgical, critical care and nursing leadership. Currently, Alecia is the Director Perioperative & Invasive Procedures Services at Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. Prior positions include of AVP Perioperative Services at White Plains Hospital in New York, SVP, CNE and nursing consultant positions with Surgical Directions and Administrative Vice President and Director of Surgical Services in various healthcare facilities ranging in size from 300 to 800 beds.

Alecia is licensed as a registered nurse, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Organizational Management, a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, an MBA in Healthcare Administration, and a Master’s in nursing. She is certified in Organizational Management and Operating Room Nursing. As former SVP of Clinical and Marketing Services at a major medical device manufacturer, she was responsible for providing clinical direction, program development, clinical consultation, and clinical quality review for Perioperative services in hospitals and surgery centers, as well as education and training of Perioperative clinicians.

Alecia was clinical editor for The OR Connection Magazine, Infection Prevention Now, and managing editor for Healthy Skin magazines. Her work has been published nationally and she speaks regularly in various healthcare forums. Alecia maintains membership with healthcare organizations such as the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), Industry Partners for Patient Safety, Business Industry Consulting (BIC) and the Association of Nurse Executives (AONE). In addition, Alecia has collaborated with the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) in educating and promoting SCIP initiatives, with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) for promotion of strategic initiatives and as a strategic partner with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.

Alecia is Lean, Six Sigma Healthcare Certified and holds current nursing licensure in the states of Kentucky, New York, Illinois, and Tennessee. Alecia held the positions of Board of Director, President elect, President and immediate past president for eChapter and desires to continue her service to this vitally important professional organization.

Position Statement

I am currently serving eChapter as the immediate past president ending in March 2024, following my terms as president and a Board of Director. In evaluating my commitment to eChapter, I have discovered that my commitment to eChapter is even stronger today than when this journey in leadership started in 2019. Even after these past five (5) years in a leadership role within eChapter, I realize that I still have a drive, a vision and forward-thinking goals for eChapter that I want to be an integral participant in accomplishing. eChapter provides unique advantages and opportunities to the perioperative professional community for networking, communication, belongingness, education, and mentorship.

For me, eChapter has been the only solution for a busy perioperative leader in an acute care hospital to offer my support, engagement, collaboration, mentorship and obtain vital education at no cost.

Where I see our next opportunity lies is in engaging in research and development of best practices and standards development. By having the world-wide global reach among our members, along with the many thought leaders that are actively involved in eChapter as core members, we are afforded a unique community to conduct research, define and develop innovative best practices and forge new pathways to practice. I am of the opinion that the perioperative community has not uncovered everything that there is to be known as best practice innovations and pathways to practice within perioperative services and I am very passionate about leaving our profession better than it was the day before, not only for our patients that we serve, but also our profession of nurses.

 I am proud of the work that I have been a part of within AORN and specifically eChapter to date and would be honored if selected to continue this important work as an elected board of director for this next term. My position is centered around meeting the needs for belonging, innovation, and moving best practices to the forefront of my profession. I sincerely thank you for considering my candidacy.

Biography

Lindsey Joyce is a proud peri-operative nurse who has been working in the OR for 15 years. She earned her Associates in Nursing in 2008 from St. Charles Community College, a Bachelors in Nursing from University of Missouri-Columbia in 2010 and her Master’s in Nursing in 2017 from St. Louis University.

She began her perioperative career in 2008 right out of nursing school at Mercy Hospital St. Louis, She worked several years on day shift and eventually became weekend charge nurse in the OR. In 2013, she moved to Dallas, Texas and began her travel nursing career at Parkland Hospital. Once she finished her contract there, she moved to Houston, Texas working in the pediatric OR at Memorial Hermann Hospital. Lindsey returned to St. Louis in 2015 and went back to Mercy Hospital as weekend charge nurse until 2017 when she left for St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, MO. She worked on the float team until September of 2020 when a position in the Cardiovascular OR became available. She is currently a scrub and circulator in the CVOR doing open heart, thoracic, and vascular cases. She has seen the CVOR as a professional challenge and currently enjoys the ins and out of cardiac surgery and learning something new each day.

Lindsey has served as a preceptor for new nurses to the OR and encouraging her departments to bring new grad nurses to the OR. To help in this area, Lindsey is also the course coordinator for the Peri-Operative Nursing Elective for senior nursing students at the School of Nursing at St. Louis University.

Position Statement

Hello fellow E-Chapter members. My name is Lindsey Joyce, and I am excited to be nominated for the eChapter Nominating Committee! I have been an OR nurse for 15 years scrubbing and circulating many specialties and am currently working in the CVOR in St. Louis, MO.

I am ready to be a part of moving us forward and working toward a way to make us all more connected and networked in what is becoming a virtual world. My commitment is to serve all members and bring my love and passion for our specialty to you to further enhance your love for our specialty as well. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow eChapter members to continue to enhance, engage and network to take eChapter to the next level.

Biography

A pragmatic and committed leader with a track record of success in healthcare and labor relations, I am dedicated to addressing critical issues and fostering organizational development. Representing the Union overseas, I obtained my Certificate in Labor Studies through the Cipriani College of Labor and Co-operative Studies.

My core objectives revolve around improving organizational culture, maintaining positive work environments, and advocating for diverse members while preventing detrimental practices. Collaborating with administrative management and Human Resource teams, I ensure compliance with labor contract terms and spearhead the development of a preceptor program, aiding new hires in adapting to organizational culture, policies, and procedures.

Balancing my professional commitments, I am passionate about travel, relishing in diverse cultures, rich histories, and local cuisines. My profound desire is to facilitate professional and personal growth through mentorship and guidance.

 My educational journey began with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, paving the way for my career. Furthering my expertise, I earned a master’s degree in nursing and a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration, providing a comprehensive understanding of healthcare clinical intricacies and administrative dynamics.

Currently, I serve as the Chairperson for the Perioperative Services Unit Quality-Based Safety Team at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Bermuda, zealously committed to ensuring the highest standards of patient care and safety in the perioperative domain.

Additionally, my 13+ years of experience as a union representative and the 2nd Vice President for the Bermuda Public Services Union, combined with my Certificate in Labor Studies, has honed my ability to navigate complex labor issues and champion the rights of healthcare professionals.

My passion lies in fostering a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and professional development within the perioperative nursing community. My diverse background—embracing clinical expertise, administrative prowess, labor studies, and union leadership—positions me uniquely to contribute to the Nominating Committee.

Position Statement

Throughout my journey as a nurse, I have strived relentlessly to uphold the highest standards of patient safety and care. I believe in the power of unity and collaboration in achieving our shared goals. If entrusted with the role of a Nominating Committee member, I pledge to actively seek individuals who embody the spirit of #PeriopProud - individuals committed to elevating our profession, fostering inclusivity, and driving positive change within our association.

I bring to the table a wealth of experience, a passion for innovation, and a genuine dedication to our community. My diverse background in perioperative nursing, coupled with a profound respect for the values that bind us together, positions me to serve effectively on the Nominating Committee.

I am eager to contribute my skills and vision to ensure that our association continues to thrive, adapting to the evolving landscape of healthcare while staying true to our fundamental principles. I humbly ask for your support and trust in this endeavor. Together, let us continue to champion safe surgery practices and foster a community that we can all be proud to be a part of.

If entrusted with this role, I am dedicated to endorsing individuals embodying the spirit of #PeriopProud, committed to advancing our profession and ensuring members’ welfare.

I am excited about the prospect of contributing to our association’s growth and progress. Let us collectively strive for a future where safe surgery practices, excellence in patient care, and professional solidarity define our aspirations.

Thank you for considering my candidacy.

Biography & Position Statement

Some of the most rewarding work I have done has been to volunteer my time as a perioperative nurse and manager on “Free Surgery Day.” During this annual event, as a manager, I organized teams of volunteers including surgeons, nurse anesthetists, environmental services, and others to provide support for surgical services including hernia repairs, bunionectomies and cataract removal. Although I was a senior manager, I also provided direct patient care.

From 2001 to 2005, I worked in the role of Nurse Educator. I facilitated the perioperative in-services and evaluated professional competencies. I also provided training for new hires. Throughout my career, I have taken I the lead for implementing several innovative technologies that were new to our facility including, DaVinci Robotics, Pyxis, and Epic electronic health recording. I was also the laser equipment training and safety officer.

I have presented a proposal to the Kaiser Permanente Executive Leadership committee to adopt my locally successful training program on a region wide scale. The program would enable new graduates who have no OR experience to enter a “Periop 101” training program. Upon completion of the one-year program, graduates will be prepared to work independently as a perioperative nurse. The program proposal is under review and if adopted, will be rolled out to many of the Southern California Kaiser Permanente Hospitals.

As I have previously indicated, throughout my career, I have recruited over 25 individuals for AORN membership and successfully encouraged over 15 individuals to achieve AORN certification. I have also mentored five surgical technicians to return to school and become RNs. Each remained in the perioperative setting. I have provided leadership training for managers within my facility and regionally through the Nursing Leadership Committee that I co-chair. I also work one-on-one with managers to assist them in achieving their productivity and performance goals.

I am a member of a traveling team that conducts Perioperative Department surveys throughout the region. I provide perioperative consulting services for the Accreditation, Regulatory, and Licensing Department. My contributions in these areas help to improve team performance and patient outcomes on a region wide scale.