Trobaugh receives recognition for excellence in clinical nursing

Madge Trobaugh, RN, CPAN, has been named recipient of the Excellence in Clinical Nursing award from the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN).
In order to be nominated for the award, a recipient must exemplify a high level of compassion and specialty expertise, according to ASPAN. In addition, an award recipient is “a recognized expert in clinical nursing practice who participates actively in nursing programs, committees or projects that result in contributions to the field of perianesthesia nursing,” according to an ASPAN statement.

“Madge is a role model for all nurses,” said Donna Hahn, RN, MSN, vice president, Ambulatory Care, and chief nurse executive. “Her passion and hard work for improving the outcomes of patient care is ever-present and charismatic to others. Madge is the epitome of a lifelong learner. RMH and the community are fortunate to have her looking out for patient care.”

Trobaugh was nominated by her supervisors for her work to improve nursing practice at RMH by advocating the use of Bair Paws, a type of warming blanket that helps patients stay warm before and after surgery and reduces surgical site infection. She championed the addition of HOVERMAT, a system used to move obese or handicapped patients, and played an instrumental role in starting Shared Governance, a national nursing education program, in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).

“This honor came as a big surprise,” Trobaugh said. “I am grateful that I was able to fulfill a dream of doing something in my nursing career that made a visible difference.”

Trobaugh has worked as a nurse in the PACU for more than 35 years, the last 20 as a certified Peri-Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN). In her career, she has served as assistant nurse manager, preceptor (trainer) and nursing bylaws co-chair, and she regularly presents educational programs for the local nursing district.

The American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) is the international professional specialty nursing organization representing the interests of over 55,000 nurses practicing in preanesthesia and postanesthesia care, ambulatory surgery, and pain management.