Illinois 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award Winner Highlight: Sherri Crumley
Meet Sherri Crumley, a Nurse Manager at Loyola University Medical Center. Sherri’s energetic leadership has helped to transform nursing. She has been nominated for the class of 2023 Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award. Designed to highlight young nurses that are making a lasting difference in the healthcare industry, this award celebrates those who shape the future of nursing.
Sherri Crumly: Championing Excellence in Perioperative Nursing
Effective leadership in nursing can make all the difference in delivering outstanding patient care and driving positive change within clinical departments. At Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC), Sherri stands as a shining example of a transformational leader, propelling her team toward excellence in perioperative nursing. Sherri’s journey from a dedicated nurse to a visionary nurse manager and interim executive director is a testament to her commitment to nursing, education, and patient-centered care.
A Journey Rooted in Education and Expertise
Sherri’s journey began with a solid foundation of education. Having earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing from Loyola University, her educational journey was only just beginning. Currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Sherri is a perpetual learner, constantly expanding her knowledge and expertise to better serve her team and patients.
Her dedication to continuous improvement is underscored by her board certifications as an Operating Room Nurse and Nurse Executive. These certifications reflect her commitment to mastering specialized areas of nursing practice and leadership. This combination of formal education and practical expertise positions Sherri as a versatile leader capable of navigating the complexities of perioperative and procedural services.
Innovative Leadership for Exceptional Patient Care
Sherri’s leadership style is marked by innovation and transformation. With a focus on fostering an exceptional team that prioritizes patient quality care, she empowers her staff to reach new heights of excellence. Throughout her career at LUMC, Sherri has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at elevating nursing care within perioperative services.
One of her accomplishments is the development, planning, and implementation of a comprehensive perioperative education program. This program spans seven departments and encompasses over 350 full-time equivalents (FTEs), ensuring that each team member is equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. Such dedication to education not only enhances patient care but also showcases Sherri’s commitment to nurturing professional growth among her staff.
Building Bridges Through Collaboration
Collaboration lies at the heart of successful healthcare environments. Recognizing this, Sherri co-led the creation of Perioperative Nursing Grand Rounds—an innovative platform that facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration between nursing, anesthesia, and surgical services. This initiative not only enhances communication but also strengthens the bonds between different healthcare disciplines, ultimately benefiting patients through holistic and well-coordinated care.
Furthermore, Sherri’s efforts extended beyond the hospital walls by establishing an education affiliation partnership with Elmhurst College. By opening doors for students to explore surgical services and offering career advice, Sherri actively contributes to the nurturing of future healthcare professionals while strengthening ties within the community.
Pioneering Excellence and Achieving Recognition
Sherri’s leadership prowess shines through in her role in achieving the 2021 AORN Go Clear Award-Gold Level Designation for LUMC. This achievement positions LUMC as a pioneer in perioperative care, underscoring Sherri’s commitment to implementing best practices and driving quality outcomes.
Her influence also extends to strategic program expansions, such as the outpatient total joint program. Under Sherri’s guidance, this initiative resulted in a significant shift from inpatient to outpatient total shoulder replacements. This not only reflects Sherri’s forward-thinking approach but also underscores her dedication to adapting to the evolving landscape of healthcare.
A Patient-Centric Approach
Sherri’s efforts do not go unnoticed by patients. With a remarkable HCAHPS score of 94% for “likely to recommend,” her patient-centric approach to leadership is evident. Patients and their families appreciate the high level of care and attention that Sherri’s team provides, reflecting her unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch patient experiences.
Sherry Crumley: Leading A Bright Future of Nursing
Sherri’s energetic and optimistic leadership style is infectious. Her ability to inspire her team to aspire for more, achieve more, and embrace change within perioperative services is a hallmark of her leadership. As she continues her journey, Sherri’s legacy of paving new roads for nursing autonomy within the perioperative service line will undoubtedly shape the future of healthcare delivery.
Sherri’s journey from a dedicated nurse to a dynamic leader is a testament to the power of education, innovation, and patient-centered care. Her commitment to excellence, coupled with her transformative initiatives, has reshaped perioperative and procedural services at Loyola University Medical Center. Sherri’s impact on her team, patients, and the broader healthcare community serves as an inspiration for aspiring nurse leaders and underscores the pivotal role that visionary leadership plays in shaping the future of healthcare.
Congratulations to Sherri Crumley and Loyola University Medical Center for this prestigious honor! The Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Award for Emerging Nurse Leaders is proven to open career doors for its recipients. INF is proud to celebrate nurses like Sherri who have made a lasting impact in the healthcare industry.
For more information on the INF 40 Under 40 Award Ceremony, click this link.
Illinois Nurses Foundation: Support Education, Advocation, and Recognition for Nurses
The Illinois Nurses Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports nurses through various programs, empowering them, promoting excellence, and advancing the nursing profession while also recognizing and celebrating the remarkable achievements of young nurses through the INF 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award, highlighting their talent and potential for the field’s growth and evolution. Donate to INF today, and you can help empower nurses and improve healthcare!