Trevor Clark, CRNA and Chief Nursing Officer Chris Young.
Congratulations to Trevor Clark, certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), this year’s Akron Children’s Magnet Nurse of the Year honoree. While in high school, Trevor had a unique opportunity at Akron Children’s that helped cement his future career.
“My mother worked at Children’s for 35 years as a surgical technician,” he said. “She got me the opportunity to shadow the CRNAs (Bruce Kuzma, Judy Lewis and Ron Tharp) in the operating room. I was very intrigued and impressed with what they did and decided this was the career path for me.”
Having worked as a CRNA at Children’s for 20 years, Trevor said helping kids is very gratifying and purposeful.
“I continue to be intrigued by the unique care and challenges of practicing pediatric anesthesia,” he said. “No two days are ever alike.”
Trevor is always on his toes whether leading, teaching or caring for patients.
“I am on the Cardiac Anesthesia Team, so I rotate through full weeks of cardiac cases only,” he said. “My daily line up of surgeries can start with a neonate/preemie then follow with a teenager, then an adult burn patient all in the same day. The variety keeps the job interesting.”
Trevor also serves as a clinical coordinator – running the staffing and schedule for the CRNAs in the Akron and Mahoning Valley operating rooms and outpatient surgery center.
“I am also the co-chief CRNA. Moving into that role has been very challenging and allowed for continued growth as a professional and a person. It requires continual leadership within our department and throughout the hospital,” he said.
Trevor’s son, and his wife, Heather, who is also a nurse at Akron Children’s, attended the presentation ceremony held at the hospital.
Trevor is involved in numerous departmental projects and sits on many committees including but not limited to the CARSE Committee, Peer Review, Joint Commission Readiness, Heart Team Lead, EPIC Liaison Lead, Pharmacy Department Lead and Department Policy Representative. He also participated in the planning and implementation of the PICU to CRNA program with plans to take over as lead in the future.
“CRNAs teach anesthesia students every day,” Trevor said. “It’s great to be able to pass our knowledge and skills to others to impact their careers.”
Trevor’s CRNA co-chief Ron Tharp nominated him for the award and had this to say in his nomination.
“Trevor inspires his team with his positive attitude on a day-to-day basis. He works hard to set a high standard and lead by example. He helps to coordinate and participates in team building activities, facilitating collaboration of a widely diverse team of professionals. Trevor fosters a culture of recognition and guides his department toward success through effective delegation, increasing morale during stressful situations, and maintaining departmental safety and effectiveness. He exemplifies the characteristics of a Magnet nurse with initiatives reaching departmental, organizational and community levels.”
Although the award was surprising and unexpected, Trevor said he was honored to receive it.
“I am very grateful that my contributions are appreciated. I love the technical aspect of anesthesia. I love learning new techniques,” he said. “This has been an excellent opportunity to reflect and set new goals for myself.”
