The Cameos of Caring Awards Program was created over 20 years ago to recognize exceptional bedside nurses who work at acute care hospitals and who are role models within their facility and beyond. Individuals are recognized within several specialty categories and are nominated by their facilities.
We proudly announce our two award winners for 2020, Kristy Parrish and Jennifer Coates, both CRNAs at UPMC Presbyterian.
Our 2020 Cameos of Caring Award winner Kristy L. Parrish, MSN, CRNA, is a 2009 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Nurse Anesthesia and a senior specialist in neuroanesthesiology at UPMC Presbyterian. Kristy has received many accolades from patients, anesthesiologists, students, and surgeons on her outstanding patient care. She is often requested to care for colleagues and their families and friends. She also encourages and motivates others to provide exceptional patient care through her education and training of student nurse anesthetists, who have also given her rave reviews. She received a student mentoring award from Duquesne University in recognition of her excellence in education. Kristy has also been active in community service, volunteering with organizations and programs such as the National Kidney Foundation, the Center for Organ Donation and Recovery, homeless programs, nursing homes, and first aid tents.
Our 2020 Cameos of Caring Advanced Practice Award Winner Jennifer Coates, MSN, CRNA, is a trauma, transplant, and neuroanesthesiology specialist at UPMC
Presbyterian, serving as a liaison between the Presbyterian anesthesiology department and the neuro-interventional radiology suite. Jen is a 2008 graduate of Mount Marty University School of Nurse Anesthesia and served in the Air Force. She attained the rank of Captain during her seven years of active duty and spent the next eight years in the Air Force Reserve. She is a tireless advocate for patients and frequently receives positive feedback from patients and their families. Jen encourages high school students, nursing students, and ICU nurses to consider careers in nurse anesthesia and arranges shadow opportunities for them. In 2014, she won the University of Pittsburgh Mary DePaolis Clinical Instructor Award. Jen gives back to the community, organizing annual “Jeans for Teens” events and an annual “Donut Day” to celebrate all her colleagues working in surgical services. She even recently volunteered to provide anesthesia in Angkor Hospital for children in Cambodia.
Congratulations to Kristy and Jen for their exceptional patient care and for serving as such amazing role models. They are both well-deserving of this recognition, and we are honored to have them as members of our team.
To safely celebrate this year’s Cameos of Caring Awards recipients, a UPMC virtual/video ceremony took place on March 6, 2021 instead of an in-person gala. Our UPMC Presbyterian CRNAs celebrated Jennifer and Kristy's awards with a party (photos below).
