Stephanie Jeckel has demonstrated outstanding leadership in perioperative nursing through their tireless efforts to improve surgical practice, educate others, and advocate for safety and excellence.

One specific example of her impact is her leadership in implementing the AORN Center of Excellence program for the Prevention of Retained Surgical Items at her facility. Through this initiative, she led cross-disciplinary collaboration with nurses, anesthesia, and surgeons, elevating safety protocols and fostering a culture of accountability.

Her commitment to excellence has also been evident in her role designing education modules for CNOR recertification, directly supporting CCI’s mission to promote certification and lifelong learning. Additionally, her volunteer work, including mentoring students and serving on a surgical technologist engagement committee, shows her dedication to growing the perioperative community.

Stephanie Jeckel’s leadership has not only improved outcomes in her own OR but also inspired professional growth and safer practices across multiple organizations and individuals.

Stephanie Jeckel is a champion of continuous professional development and certification excellence in perioperative nursing. When she first joined their OR team, only the manager and she held the CNOR credential. Through persistent encouragement, mentorship, and by creating a culture that values certification, she has successfully inspired the majority of eligible nurses to either obtain or schedule their CNOR exam.

She provides resources, study support, and celebrates their achievements, helping to normalize certification as a standard of excellence rather than an exception. Beyond supporting others, she leads by example. She earned her MSN in Nursing Education while working full-time and is now pursuing their DNP in Leadership. Her academic progression demonstrates her belief in lifelong learning and motivates their team to grow professionally.

Through education, mentorship, and personal achievement, Stephanie is elevating the standard of practice in their department and promoting a shared commitment to clinical excellence and professional growth.

Stephanie is a role model of trust, mutual respect, and ethical behavior in every aspect of their leadership. She leads by example, showing up consistently, listening without judgment, and making decisions rooted in fairness and transparency. Her approachable nature and calm presence create a safe space for nurses to voice concerns, ask questions, and grow professionally.

Multiple nurses have personally told her that they have been inspired by her, whether to pursue certification, step into leadership roles, or simply believe in their own abilities. These moments reflect the deep respect her team holds for her and the impact she has on their professional identity.

Stephanie’s integrity, encouragement, and commitment to doing what is right, especially when no one is watching, make her not just a leader but a mentor who genuinely shapes the next generation of perioperative nurses.

She once cared for a patient with autism who was understandably nervous about an upcoming procedure. During their conversation, the patient mentioned their dream of going to space one day. Recognizing an opportunity to ease their anxiety, she used the patient's passion for space as a way to make the OR environment more relatable and less intimidating.

As she explained the process, she compared the cold OR room to the chilly environment of space, reassuring the patient that they would provide warm blankets, which they referred to as their "space suit," to keep them comfortable. She also described the SCD sleeves as “spacesuits,” explaining that when they activated and gently squeezed, it was like the "rocket blasters" pushing them off the moon.

This creative, empathetic approach not only calmed the patient but also helped them feel connected to something they loved. Her thoughtful, patient-centered care showcased her ability to adapt her approach to meet the individual needs of her patients, using empathy, creativity, and comfort to ensure a positive experience.

Stephanie consistently encourages critical thinking and problem-solving within her team by creating an environment where continuous learning is prioritized. She promotes this by leading initiatives like the development of CNOR recertification education modules, which challenge staff to reflect on best practices and apply evidence-based solutions to real-world OR scenarios.

Additionally, through structured feedback and mentoring, she empowers individuals to question their approach to patient care, identify areas for improvement, and implement thoughtful, evidence-backed solutions. By fostering a culture of inquiry and professional growth, she exemplifies CCI’s vision of building a community of certificants and lifelong learners.

Her leadership ensures that certification is not just an achievement but a catalyst for ongoing development, with CCI as a trusted partner in their journey toward clinical excellence.