The UF Health Shands Perioperative Services department and the UF Health Shands Hospital OR recently received the CORE Award from the Association of perioperative Registered Nurses. Ours is only the third OR in the nation and the first in Florida to receive this recognition. The award stands for Committed to OR Excellence and is given to teams for exceptional care and improved outcomes.

“To achieve a high level of sustained excellence for an award like this, you have to have a very engaged and committed team,” said Ed Jimenez, UF Health Shands CEO. “Our perioperative staff have worked hard to improve patient care and their results have been exemplary.”

The team cares for pediatric and adult patients during surgery. They help manage surgical tools in the OR, assist faculty throughout surgery and serve as patient advocates.

The award criteria include demonstrated excellence in effective communication, knowledge, evidence-based practice and processes and patient outcomes. The award reflects a commitment to clinical quality and patient safety in the OR.

“Our nurses play an integral role in the patient experience, and we’re proud of their passion for providing high-quality care,” said Irene Alexaitis, D.N.P., R.N., NEA-BC, UF Health Shands Hospital chief nursing officer and Nursing and Patient Services vice president. “Their compassionate service, dedication to quality outcomes and interdisciplinary approach is what sets our organization apart, and this achievement is a testament to that.”

Michele Brunges, M.S.N., R.N., CNOR, UF Health Shands Perioperative Services director, led the application committee and was honored to work alongside such a talented team.

Brunges said, “I want the team to feel proud of themselves. This award is for them to take a step back and recognize their hard work and contributions.”