Laura Wiggins, DNP, MSN, CRNA, Lt. Col. (retired), UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, has been honored with the 2024 Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing Alumni Achievement Award. The accolade, presented to outstanding graduates actively engaged in the healthcare sector, acknowledges Laura's significant impact on the industry. Her contributions encompass exemplary leadership, innovative practices, robust mentorship, and overall dedication to advancing professional standards. Laura will receive the award at a ceremony on March 14, 2024, in State College, PA.
Laura is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing and one of the School’s Obstetric Clinical Coordinators. In this role, she mentors student nurse anesthetists and instills confidence in their anesthesia skills, techniques, and training. She collaborates with peers to develop courses at the Winter Institute for Simulation, Education and Research (WISER) that help build on team dynamics and foster communication skills.
A distinguished Veteran and an active leader in the nurse anesthesia profession, Laura will serve as one of the Program Coordinators for the upcoming Pittsburgh CRNA Symposium on February 24, 2024. Notably, she participated in the Veterans' Panel at the Annual Advanced Practice Provider Academy in November 2023, showcasing her dedication to the broader healthcare community. In 2022, she received the Daniel D. Vigness Federal Political Director Award in recognition of her significant contributions to the advancement of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).
Congratulations to Laura! We extend our sincere appreciation for her outstanding contributions as a beacon of excellence in nursing and healthcare leadership.