Recognizing a perioperative nurse leader involves identifying qualities, skills, and contributions that distinguish them in their role. Kim Tuemler is that nurse leader. Kim is a JD, BSN, and CNOR nurse who decided that after practicing law, she had a passion for perioperative nursing. Being a perioperative nurse for over 5 years, Kim has taken charge as a leader, leading the way to improving practice with her peers and organization.

Kim has been instrumental in supporting the evacuation of surgical smoke for the state of South Carolina. Her skills as a lawyer have made significant contributions in supporting this evidence-based practice change. A perioperative nurse leader oversees surgical nursing teams and ensures patient safety and high-quality care throughout the surgical process, which is a characteristic of Kim Tuemler. Her qualities as a Perioperative Nurse Leader are her knowledge of surgical nursing practices, including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. Her informal leadership skills provide her with the ability to manage and inspire a multidisciplinary team of nurses, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals.

Kim supports advocacy for staff and patient safety, and she has strong interpersonal skills in coordinating between surgical teams, patients, and families. What makes Kim worthy of the honor is her commitment to quality improvement, leading initiatives to improve perioperative outcomes for staff and providers and enhance patient experiences.