WakeMed Earns National Recognition As A Center Of Excellence In Surgical Safety

RALEIGH, N.C. – WakeMed is the first health system in North Carolina and among just four in the nation to be designated as a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), the nation’s leading authority on perioperative nursing practice. This recognition honors the system’s – and WakeMed Surgical Services nurses’ — commitment to improving patients’ physical and psychological well-being before, during, and after surgery through consistent, evidence-based Enhanced Recovery practices.

“ERAS is one of the strongest examples of how coordinated, interdisciplinary practice improves patient outcomes,” said David Wyatt, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNOR, FAORN, FAAN, AORN CEO & Executive Director. “This designation reflects a facility’s commitment to shared standards, teamwork, and the evidence-based interventions that make surgery safer.”

“WakeMed is committed to providing whole-person health care and this recognition demonstrates just how strong our commitment is,” explains Cindy Alness Boily, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, WakeMed senior vice president & Chief Nursing Officer. “I am extremely proud of our Surgical Services nurses, who led efforts to achieve our AORN Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety achievement. WakeMed is among the few health systems in the United States to earn Magnet® with Distinction recognition. Our AORN designation is further proof of WakeMed nurses’ steadfast focus on continuously improving patient outcomes.”  

The Center of Excellence designation signifies that WakeMed has successfully completed AORN’s comprehensive ERAS program, an evidence-based, multidisciplinary initiative focused on reducing postoperative complications, improving pain management, optimizing recovery and strengthening team communication.

This achievement reflects WakeMed’s dedication to elevating surgical care, advancing outcomes, and ensuring consistent, high-quality recovery experiences for every patient.