Two CRNAs honored at Cameos of Caring Awards Gala

The Cameos of Caring Awards Gala recognized nursing professionals who provide exceptional care, embody commitment and advance the profession. The 2017 honorees represented a variety of health systems/hospitals and schools of nursing in addition to specialty areas such as anesthesia, oncology, education, intensive care and emergency nursing. Two Pittsburgh-area CRNAs were recognized during the 2017 awards. Pam Norton, CRNA, BSN was honored and Rick Henker, CRNA, PhD was honored in the advanced practice category.

The Cameos of Caring program was established in 1999 by the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing to help recognize nursing professionals from 20 western Pennsylvania acute care hospitals. Cameos of Caring has expanded over time and now recognizes nurses throughout the region who serve at different levels of care with the advanced practice category being added in 2002.

From its inception, Cameos of Caring has recognized professionals working to advance and promote the profession while also demonstrating excellence in care. Through the years, those honored embody the roles of nurse, educator, advocate and role model. Rick Henker and Pam Norton add to the list of distinguished honorees.

The Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists congratulates Rick Henker and Pam Norton for being recognized as 2017 Cameos of Caring recipients.

The following is some background about the two recipients:

Dr. Rick Henker was in the process of completing the nurse anesthesia program at the University of Pittsburgh when he was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma. At that time the survival rate was 48-52 percent and he considered withdrawing from the program but ultimately graduated after some encouragement from his daughters. The experience helped him realize the importance of following your passion and maintaining your practice. Those realizations have influenced his contributions to education, research and policy in nurse anesthesia.

Rick has been a CRNA for more than 15 years and has excelled in every aspect of the profession. From pre-operative to post-operative care, Rick’s work is comprehensive and flawless as he compassionately builds a relationship with the patient and respectfully works with every team member in the operating room.

As an educator he works with student nurse anesthetists to challenge and inspire them. Many students consider him one of their favorite professors, and his clinical and academic teaching abilities have earned him numerous awards.

A colleague said that, “Dr. Henker contributes immensely to instruction of future generations of student nurse anesthetists.”

His dedication to the profession extends beyond the clinical and academic arena as he works with Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO). While his work with HVO started as only clinical instruction, it led to the development of nurse anesthesia programs and policy initiatives in Belize, Cambodia and Bhutan.

“I tell people I have the best job in the world. I enjoy working with patients and families during a stressful time. Developing a plan to enhance a patient’s recovery and manage their pain can be very satisfying,” said Rick.

Pam Norton knew in high school that she wanted to pursue a career in which she could help people through the medical field. Her guidance counselor helped her winnow the list of potential careers to three, one of which was nurse anesthesiology. More than 28 years later she is still working to put patient safety first as a CRNA at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.

“I try to be always respectful and caring to patients, families and hospital personnel on a daily basis in an upbeat, positive approach. I believe if you present yourself in a poised, positive manner it spreads and reflects on not only yourself but more importantly on your department and your profession,” said Pam.

Her positive attitude and personal approach are a constant through her work in the operating room and the classroom. Pam consistently establishes rapport with patients and their families utilizing a personal and caring approach. She uses these skills when working with student nurse anesthetists and when encouraging young students to pursue nursing at career fairs.

“She has leadership skills and is frequently assigned as the Presby Charge CRNA. She is able to handle conflict and any situation which may arise with ease and professionalism. Everyone respects Pam and views her as a ‘role model’ as she builds a positive team spirit and cohesiveness,” said a colleague.

Pittsburgh-area CRNAs honored with ‘Cameos of Caring’ Awards

The Cameos of Caring Awards Gala honors outstanding nurses for their commitment, dedication, and passion for patients, families, students and more. The award recipients are not only caregivers; they also are role models, advocates, educators and researchers. Two Pittsburgh-area CRNAs --- Chad Artman and Lynnette Sikora --- were recognized.

During its inception, 20 hospitals in western Pennsylvania joined the Cameos of Caring family, each selecting one nurse who demonstrated excellence in nursing care, served as an advocate for patients and families, and embodied the essence of the nursing profession.

Today, the program has expanded to include additional award categories to reflect the breadth of the nursing profession and recognize exceptional individuals in many different practice areas, such as the Advanced Practice Award, the Donate Life Award (recognizing those nurses who actively advocate for organ and tissue donation), the Case Manager Award, and the Nurse Educator Award. For 2015, a new award category was added, the Quality and Safety category, to honor nurses focused on creating a culture of safety and quality patient care throughout their facility.

Proceeds from the program and awards gala benefit the Cameos of Caring Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund, established in 2000 to offer financial support so that practicing nurses may advance their education. Since the program’s inception, more than 250 scholarships have been awarded and over $1.3 million has been raised for the scholarship fund.

The 2016 honorees represent a variety of health systems, hospitals and schools of nursing. They also span a great number of specialty areas including: anesthesia, oncology, education, intensive care and emergency nursing.

This year, Chad Artman, CRNA, and Lynnette Sikora, CRNA, were honored to be selected as recipients of this prestigious award. The Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists congratulates them on being recognized for their hard work and dedication, and for providing outstanding patient care on a daily basis.

Learn more about these two deserving honorees:

Chad Artman:

As an anesthetist, Chad has saved lives countless times. But what makes Chad special is his insistence on going out of his way to help others. Family and friends can tell many stories about Chad rescuing strangers from life-or-death situations. One day, Chad was driving on an on-ramp when he noticed a car sitting on the shoulder. A man was dragging an unconscious woman from the car. Without hesitation, Chad pulled over to help. He performed CPR for 20 minutes before paramedics arrived. The woman eventually awoke and made a full recovery.

This was not the only time Chad’s quick thinking has saved a life outside the hospital. One day, Chads 15-month-old son started to breathe irregularly and became unresponsive. Chad kept his composure and performed CPR while his wife called for help. Thanks to Chad, his son lived.

Chads ability to perform under pressure has not gone unnoticed among his peers. Staff has requested him to care for their family members or critical patients. They know that with Chad on the case, the patient and their family will be safe and feel comforted.

In addition to his clinical work, Chad teaches multiple courses at the Winter Institute for Simulation, Education and Research (WISER). He is also adjunct faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh Nurse Anesthesia Department.

Chad is a strong proponent of education: “Education to eliminate fear empowers nurses,” he said. He believes that nurses not only can advance their careers but also their nursing profession by continuing to learn. “His actions speak for themselves.” says one colleague. “He exemplifies the essence of the Cameos of Caring Award.”

Lynn Sikora:

Lynn has always been fascinated by the human body. Her choice of toy as a child was an anatomically correct model of the human body. It had removable plastic organs and even a heart that would pump red and blue water. This interest paired with Lynn’s caring personality made the decision to become a nurse simple.

“It has been one of the easiest and most personally rewarding choices I’ve made.” Lynn said. “I chose this profession to give back to humanity and to make a difference in another’s life.”

Lynn gives back to others in more ways than one. As an anesthetist, she is constantly trying to make sure the patient feels safe and comfortable. Lynn also recognizes that often patients’ families need special attention, and she makes sure she takes the time to build relationships with them.

Lynn’s compassion extends outside the hospital setting, too. She supports local nonprofits like Family House, which provides affordable housing to families of patients. Lynn also attends many award ceremonies that honor her colleagues and does outreach to recruit more people to become CRNAs.

To Lynn, all this giving is part of the job: “We are a patient’s advocate profession, and our holistic approach embraces the family and the community,” she says. Lynn also prides herself on helping to advance her career through attending national conferences and other continuing education presentations. But, in the end, what Lynn truly cares about is caring for people. “What better way to give back to humanity than to be part of a profession that enjoys a past, present and very important future of helping others,” she said.