Brenda C Ulmer
November 2024
Brenda C
Ulmer
,
MN, RN, CNOR, FAORN
Consultant
SE Councils of Perioperative Nurses
Denver
,
CO
USA
Brenda Ulmer exemplifies the qualities of a true perioperative nurse leader: expertise, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to improving surgical care and safety.
I first met Brenda in the 1990s at AORN meetings and became closely connected with her through our similar work with energy devices and surgical smoke initiatives. Brenda has made significant contributions in helping AORN author the electrosurgery and surgical smoke guidelines because of her many activities and volunteer leadership positions with AORN. She has ensured that the guidelines and standards are incorporated in our nursing practice to promote consistency and standardization, which has provided perioperative nursing with logical and evidence-based practices for patient safety.
During her many activities with other professional organizations, Brenda consistently highlights and communicates AORN statements, guidelines, and trends. Brenda's other major contributions have been in leadership (as shown through her many AORN activities), clinical (through her passion for promoting evidence-based practices and excellence within perioperative nursing), and education (through her many presentations to continually advance perioperative nursing). Over her perioperative career, Brenda, as a leader, has contributed to her local AORN chapter and state council on a regular basis. But her significant impact has been witnessed through her national leadership activities as the President for AORN Nationally 2000-2001 and was the President for national Competency and Credentialing Institute from 1993-1994.
Brenda has served internationally and nationally on a multitude of organizations and has published in numerous books and journals. The proudest moment in her career was leading perioperative staff to law with surgical smoke in Georgia in 2022, becoming the eighth state to go smoke-free. I have observed Brenda's leadership style as she has inspired nurses to freely ask questions and ask for her opinion about trends and challenges within the perioperative setting. This happens not only on the floor of the Expo and at local chapter meetings but also during the many lectures she delivers to advance perioperative knowledge and perioperative practices. Brenda’s leadership and guidance have inspired nurses to go into perioperative nursing and strive for excellence. Brenda's journey continues as she is assisting the state of South Carolina with their smoke legislation.
***
Brenda Ulmer, RN, MN, CNOR(E), is a highly respected perioperative nurse leader, educator, and advocate for patient safety. She is particularly well-known for her contributions to surgical nursing and her expertise in perioperative care, including her advocacy for the prevention of surgical smoke exposure.
Key Contributions of Brenda Ulmer:
1. Advocacy for Surgical Smoke Safety:
Ulmer has been a pioneer in raising awareness about the dangers of surgical smoke, which is produced by the use of electrosurgical devices and lasers during surgery. She has worked tirelessly to promote the use of smoke evacuation systems to protect surgical teams and patients.
2. Educational Leadership: As an educator, Brenda Ulmer has written extensively on perioperative nursing topics, contributing to textbooks, journals, and professional development resources. Her work has provided guidance to countless nurses in improving their practice and ensuring patient safety.
3. Influence in Professional Organizations: Ulmer has been actively involved with the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), where she has served in leadership roles and influenced policy development. Her work with AORN has helped shape best practices in perioperative nursing.
4. Recipient of Numerous Awards: She has received multiple accolades for her leadership and contributions to the field, including recognition for her dedication to improving workplace safety in the operating room.
5. Mentorship and Advocacy: Brenda Ulmer is known for mentoring other nurses and advocating for their professional growth. Her efforts have inspired a new generation of perioperative nurses to prioritize safety, education, and excellence in patient care.
Recognizing Brenda Ulmer’s Legacy:
• Publications and Speaking Engagements: Ulmer has shared her expertise through presentations at conferences and through her publications, which continue to serve as valuable resources for perioperative nurses.
• Impact on Policy and Practice: Her advocacy has led to the widespread adoption of safety measures, such as surgical smoke evacuation protocols, that protect healthcare workers globally.
Brenda Ulmer exemplifies the qualities of a true perioperative nurse leader: expertise, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to improving surgical care and safety.
During her many activities with other professional organizations, Brenda consistently highlights and communicates AORN statements, guidelines, and trends. Brenda's other major contributions have been in leadership (as shown through her many AORN activities), clinical (through her passion for promoting evidence-based practices and excellence within perioperative nursing), and education (through her many presentations to continually advance perioperative nursing). Over her perioperative career, Brenda, as a leader, has contributed to her local AORN chapter and state council on a regular basis. But her significant impact has been witnessed through her national leadership activities as the President for AORN Nationally 2000-2001 and was the President for national Competency and Credentialing Institute from 1993-1994.
Brenda has served internationally and nationally on a multitude of organizations and has published in numerous books and journals. The proudest moment in her career was leading perioperative staff to law with surgical smoke in Georgia in 2022, becoming the eighth state to go smoke-free. I have observed Brenda's leadership style as she has inspired nurses to freely ask questions and ask for her opinion about trends and challenges within the perioperative setting. This happens not only on the floor of the Expo and at local chapter meetings but also during the many lectures she delivers to advance perioperative knowledge and perioperative practices. Brenda’s leadership and guidance have inspired nurses to go into perioperative nursing and strive for excellence. Brenda's journey continues as she is assisting the state of South Carolina with their smoke legislation.
***
Brenda Ulmer, RN, MN, CNOR(E), is a highly respected perioperative nurse leader, educator, and advocate for patient safety. She is particularly well-known for her contributions to surgical nursing and her expertise in perioperative care, including her advocacy for the prevention of surgical smoke exposure.
Key Contributions of Brenda Ulmer:
1. Advocacy for Surgical Smoke Safety:
Ulmer has been a pioneer in raising awareness about the dangers of surgical smoke, which is produced by the use of electrosurgical devices and lasers during surgery. She has worked tirelessly to promote the use of smoke evacuation systems to protect surgical teams and patients.
2. Educational Leadership: As an educator, Brenda Ulmer has written extensively on perioperative nursing topics, contributing to textbooks, journals, and professional development resources. Her work has provided guidance to countless nurses in improving their practice and ensuring patient safety.
3. Influence in Professional Organizations: Ulmer has been actively involved with the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), where she has served in leadership roles and influenced policy development. Her work with AORN has helped shape best practices in perioperative nursing.
4. Recipient of Numerous Awards: She has received multiple accolades for her leadership and contributions to the field, including recognition for her dedication to improving workplace safety in the operating room.
5. Mentorship and Advocacy: Brenda Ulmer is known for mentoring other nurses and advocating for their professional growth. Her efforts have inspired a new generation of perioperative nurses to prioritize safety, education, and excellence in patient care.
Recognizing Brenda Ulmer’s Legacy:
• Publications and Speaking Engagements: Ulmer has shared her expertise through presentations at conferences and through her publications, which continue to serve as valuable resources for perioperative nurses.
• Impact on Policy and Practice: Her advocacy has led to the widespread adoption of safety measures, such as surgical smoke evacuation protocols, that protect healthcare workers globally.
Brenda Ulmer exemplifies the qualities of a true perioperative nurse leader: expertise, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to improving surgical care and safety.