Cristina Pabon RN, MSN, BSN is the Resuscitation Coordinator at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Science System. She has been nominated by Stephanie Mendoza for the Illinois Nurses Foundation’s 40 Under 40 Award for her outstanding contributions to nursing and her community
Cristina has been awarded the 2024 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.
A Leader in Patient Safety and Innovation
Cristina serves as the Resuscitation Coordinator at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Science System (UI Health), where she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure patient safety. Her passion for innovation led her to develop the Resuscitation Workshop, equipping staff with life-saving skills and improving patient outcomes. She also created UI Health’s Critical Care Outreach Team, a groundbreaking initiative that provides early intervention for patients at risk of decline in non-ICU areas.
Cristina’s leadership extends beyond her formal roles. She is committed to education and professional development, evidenced by her creation of the Decompensation Workshop, which enhances critical thinking skills among non-ICU nurses. Her efforts empower nurses to provide the highest standard of care, showcasing her dedication to building others in the profession.
Advancing Excellence Through Education and Advocacy
While pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of Illinois Chicago, Cristina continues to be a driving force for change at UI Health. During her time as the interim Sepsis Coordinator, she facilitated process improvement strategies, developed educational resources, and reviewed patient charts to enhance sepsis care protocols. These initiatives demonstrate her commitment to evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.
Cristina’s influence extends beyond her workplace. She actively participates in professional organizations such as the American Heart Association and the Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee, where she leverages her expertise to advocate for excellence in nursing practice. As a certified Critical Care nurse with Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training, she is well-equipped to implement initiatives that drive measurable improvements in patient outcomes.
A Heart for Service and Community Engagement
Cristina’s dedication to nursing transcends her professional roles. She is deeply committed to community service, partnering with organizations like March of Dimes and participating in the Unity in the Community Walk to combat racism and promote inclusivity. As a mentor, she volunteers her time to guide students and nurses, often sharing her personal contact information to provide support and expertise in real-time situations.
Her contributions to healthcare and her community have been widely recognized. Cristina is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Healthy Driven Hero Award, the Latinos United for America Academic Award, and the 31 C.A.R.E. Award. These accolades highlight her unwavering commitment to service and her drive to uplift those around her.
Christina Pabon: A Legacy of Excellence
Cristina exemplifies what it means to be a leader in nursing. Her unwavering dedication to her patients, colleagues, and community underscores her passion for excellence and innovation. Through her tireless efforts, she has not only advanced nursing practice but also set a standard for future generations to follow.
Congratulations to Christina Pabon and the University of Illinois Hospital 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 Christina who have made a lasting impact in the healthcare industry.
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