Renee Hildebrand’s dedication to advancing perioperative nursing practice shines through her consistent volunteerism with CCI, particularly in the education department. Her commitment goes beyond simply answering the call for help—Renee actively seeks out ways to contribute and elevate the field. As the Director of Perioperative Services, she deeply understands the critical role that certification plays in upholding high standards of patient care. This understanding drives her passion for education and professional development within the surgical community.

Renee has been instrumental in the certified surgical services management exam preparation program, not only volunteering as an instructor but also expanding the program's scope. She brought in additional subject matter experts to enrich the curriculum, ensuring that participants gain comprehensive insights. Furthermore, Renee took the initiative to record presentations, creating valuable on-demand resources for exam preparation. Her efforts have significantly enhanced the accessibility and quality of educational offerings at CCI, leaving a lasting impact on the delivery of perioperative nursing care.

Since becoming my Director of Perioperative Services in 2010, Renee Hildebrand has been an inspiring role model who actively promotes professional growth and certification excellence. She champions certification for all department members, not just nurses, and provides opportunities for staff to attend professional conferences. Renee’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to lifelong learning, ensuring that the entire team stays current with best practices and maintains the highest standards of patient care. Her dedication to continuous professional development fosters a culture of excellence and empowers staff to achieve their full potential.

Renee Hildebrand exemplifies the qualities of trust, mutual respect, and ethical behavior in her daily practice, earning the staff's admiration for her integrity. Team members feel secure approaching her for guidance, confident that her advice aligns with the highest ethical standards of patient care. Renee prioritizes "caring for the caregiver," consistently ensuring that the team feels supported in their roles. Her belief that a team is only as strong as the support provided by its leadership drives her professional approach, fostering an environment where staff feel valued and empowered to deliver exceptional patient care.

Renee Hildebrand personifies compassionate nursing care and empathy through her volunteer work with the perioperative prelicensure nursing elective at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin. Every semester, she presents on leadership, teamwork, and collaboration in the perioperative setting, guiding students who often feel overwhelmed and underprepared due to limited exposure to the specialty. Renee’s approach goes beyond teaching; she genuinely connects with students, meeting them where they are in their nursing journey. Her compassionate nature shines as she creates an inclusive environment, encouraging students to share their experiences and openly ask questions, even those unrelated to perioperative nursing. By doing so, Renee helps build their confidence and reassures them that they are capable of achieving their career goals, embodying the true essence of caring in action.

Renee Hildebrand’s dedication to advancing the profession extends well beyond advocating for certification. Across the various facilities where she has worked, Renee actively encourages educators to engage in professional development activities, including not just certification but also the Certificate of Mastery for perioperative educators offered by CCI. She supports her educators, team leads, and staff in expanding their knowledge, fostering a culture of critical thinking and problem-solving that aligns with CCI's vision. By empowering individuals to be lifelong learners and reinforcing the importance of continuous growth, Renee positions CCI as a valued partner in achieving excellence in healthcare, promoting a community where learning and professional development are integral to daily practice.