Wakeisha Young serves as patient care manager of the Open Heart team at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. Functioning in a variety of key roles in the field of pediatric and adult cardiac surgery, she has led her team to a new level of collaboration and excellence through numerous process improvement efforts, operational efficiencies and quality measures.
Young was a critical leader in the successful opening of the Milestone Cardiac Operating Theatre in the new Milestone building at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. The move to the new building involved physically equipping four new theatres and engineering new processes to provide open heart surgery to cardiac patients of all ages and sizes. She led the way for her team to adapt new processes efficiently and in a patient-centered manner, keeping physicians and perfusionists informed and engaged.
She has also served as a key educator for the cardiac robotic program and was a key process expert, educator and supervisor for the successful implementation of Epic, the hospital’s complex electronic medical record system.
Young’s dedication to children’s health and wellness shines through her volunteer work as a school nurse for St. Mark’s Grade School in Peoria. She assists in a variety of nursing functions, including record maintenance and interactions with staff and students. She volunteers for the school’s annual teacher luncheon, as well as the annual St. Mark’s Auction. She is also dedicated to community beautification as a member of the Peoria Evening Garden Club.
Earlier this year, Young was nominated for the Excellence in Nursing Award in the category of Transformational Leadership. She has been the recipient of the Star of the Month Award and the Pillar Award for leadership at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, and is a member of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses. iBi
