Jodi Behr (right), senior evidence-based practice specialist, presents Michelle Craver (left), nurse program coordinator for Infectious Disease, with the Delta Omega 2023 Excellence in Nursing Award.
Congratulations to Michelle Craver, BSN, RN, CCCTM, nurse program coordinator for Infectious Disease at Akron Children’s, on receiving the Delta Omega Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International 2023 Excellence in Nursing Award. The award recognizes a nurse who demonstrates excellence and advances the scope and practice of nursing.
“I was both honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Michelle. “I truly could not have achieved this without the support and help of our entire Infectious Disease team. This recognition is an opportunity to showcase the incredible work our Ambulatory team is doing to improve the care we deliver.”
Michelle joined Akron Children’s in 1988. With her 35 years at the hospital, she said it’s her patients and co-workers who continue to bring her joy on the job.
“It’s no secret that I love the children most of all. Each one of them makes me smile and reminds me why I love my job so very much,” she said. “I love to help families navigate their health care needs, so they never get lost or detoured on their journey. I also enjoy having the most supportive team in the organization. There is simply no better place to work than Infectious Disease.”
Michelle Craver joined Akron Children’s in 1988.
Annette Hamlin, MSN, Ed., AMB-BC, RN, nursing professional development specialist, nominated Michelle for the award.
“Michelle is a gem! [She is] so devoted to her patients and to developing processes to best care for them. [She] has a deep knowledge in all things infectious disease, but her passion is taking care of the patient, no matter what,” Annette wrote. “She shares her broad knowledge with her in-patient and out-patient peers to make sure care across the continuum is seamlessly met.”
In her nomination, Annette highlighted Michelle’s essential role in three hospital projects involving care coordination transition management, Penicillin allergy testing and central line accessing.
“Michelle seeks evidence-based practice in all she does,” said Annette. “The two projects, Penicillin testing and central line accessing, serve as great examples of Michelle looking for the best evidence on caring for these patient populations.”
Michelle said she is grateful to see the impact of her work recognized in this way.
“I am proud to have brought these projects to Akron Children’s and the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing conferences through poster presentations,” she said. “The care coordination transition management initiative ensured there were fewer gaps in care for our hospitalized patients. The Penicillin allergy challenge project is moving towards a primarily nurse-driven protocol. This ensures we continue to practice at the top of our license. I am most proud of this project and its upward growth.”
