Honoring the OR Manager Award winners on Perioperative Nurses Week

Editor's Note

During Perioperative Nurses Week, OR Manager celebrated the incredible dedication and leadership of perioperative nurses who make a difference every day in the lives of their patients and teams. The expertise, compassion, and tireless commitment these nurses provide are the backbone of surgical care.

In case you missed the news, we are thrilled to announce the 2024 OR Manager Award winners, honored during the 2024 OR Manager Conference in Las Vegas, NV! These exceptional leaders and their teams are driving innovation, improving patient outcomes, and setting the standard for perioperative care.

• OR Manager of the Year: Lindsay Meade, MBA, BSN, RN, CNOR, director of perioperative services, Texas Children's Hospital
• Ambulatory Nurse Leader of the Year: Rebecca Rayburn, MS, RN, CAPA, perianesthesia nurse manager, Sawgrass Surgical Center, University of Rochester Medical Center
• PACU Leader of the Year: Jeanne Arthur, MSN, RN, nursing director pre-procedure evaluation, preop, PACU, and day surgery, MGB Newton Wellesley Hospital

2024 OR Manager of the Year

Lindsay Meade, MBA, BSN, RN, CNOR

Lindsay Meade, MBA, BSN, RN, CNOR, has established her passion for perioperative nursing through 10 years of progressive leadership experience, consistently demonstrating commitment to excellent patient care and outcomes. An example of her leadership is co-leading development of a system-wide massive transfusion protocol. She believes in the transformative power of collaborative multidisciplinary teams, understanding that they drive the best outcomes. Empathetic and approachable, her reputation is building personal connections and cultivating an environment of possibility, integrity, inclusivity, and shared purpose.

Meade's colleagues describe her as someone who embodies excellence in leadership and management through her proactive and innovative approach to cultivating a culture of continuous improvement. She models innovation in processes, patient care, and structures that support a positive work culture across the perioperative system.

"What I love most about my work is the unique opportunity to lead in the perioperative environment, where all disciplines work closely together to impact patient care and outcomes with every decision. The most rewarding aspects of my role are the ability to influence change within our organization, foster meaningful collaboration, and prioritize the well-being the the growth of those I lead. Leading such an incredible team that makes a tangible different for patients and families during their most vulnerable moments is both an honor and a privilege that drive my passion every day," says Meade.

2024 Ambulatory Nurse Leader of the Year

Rebecca Rayburn, MS, RN, CAPA

Rebecca "Becky" Rayburn, MS, RN, CAPA, has been a nurse at the University of Rochester (URMC) for 18 years. She began her career at URMC as an associate degree graduate in the Burn Trauma ICU. In 2009, Rayburn transitioned to the Sawgrass Surgical Center, the largest ambulatory surgery center in upstate New York. She went on to earn a baccalaureate degree in nursing and a master's in nursing education from the University of Rochester School of Nursing.

Her colleagues describe her as someone who fosters a collaborative work environment where team members feel valued, respected, and encouraged to contribute their ideas and insights. Becky empowers her team and cultivates a culture of ownership and accountability, leading to increased engagement and job satisfaction.

"At Sawgrass Surgical Center, what I find most fulfilling is helping my staff grow and thriving in our collaborative team environment. By nurturing the development of fellow colleagues, this not only contributes to their personal and professional success, but also cultivates a positive, supportive workplace culture. Our exceptional teamwork drives innovative solutions, fosters a strong sense of camaraderie, and most importantly, enhances patient safety and satisfaction," Rayburn shared.

2024 PACU Leader of the Year

Jeanne Arthur, MSN, RN

Jeanne Arthur, MSN, RN, is a nurse director with extensive experience in perioperative settings. With a Master’s in Nursing Leadership from Framingham State University and ongoing Doctor of Nursing Practice studies at UMASS Chan Medical School, Arthur excels in optimizing workflows, enhancing patient care, and leading her team through the complexities of healthcare. Her roles at Newton Wellesley Hospital, Massachusetts General, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital highlight her expertise in clinical management and innovation. She is a multi-award recipient and a recognized nursing leader.

Arthur's colleagues describe her as someone who has modernized the concepts of recovery focused care and has saved hundreds of patient day care hours with her team safely ambulating, preparing, and mobilizing patient throughput with patient satisfaction ratings of greater than 99%.

Arthur describes her role as "the opportunity to inspire my team and drive excellence in patient care through challenges and change."

Join us in congratulating these phenomenal leaders, the award finalists, and the entire perioperative nursing community for their commitment to enhancing outcomes for all patients and staff. We would love to hear your stories! Share your perioperative nursing story with us on LinkedIn.

The 2025 OR Manager Award nominations will be open in early 2025. To learn more about the awards, visit www.ormanager.com/awards.