Clinical Nurse Specialist, Department of Nursing

Here is what Lori's nominator had to say about her:

“Lori has been an outstanding mentor and clinical leader within the Pediatric Heart Center for nurses and physicians, committed to providing the highest level of care for the Pediatric Cardiac population.  Her leadership has helped build a nationally recognized program, and her mentorship to the bedside nurses has allowed them to achieve the Beacon Award of Excellence. She is a clinical leader throughout the Children's Hospital by participating in multiple councils and providing expertise for the Pediatric Cardiac population.” 

Nominated By: Angela Collins

Lori's Bio: 

Lori’s journey at UCSF has been both professional and personal.  After receiving her Master of Science Degree in Nursing from UCSF School of Nursing, she began her career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in the UCSF Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), later transitioning to the PCICU.  Her professional priority has been focused on the education and mentoring of nurses, implementation of evidence-based care, program development, nursing research, patient safety and a strong collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. Lori is a strong nursing advocate, detail oriented and not afraid of change.  Most recently, she has been a leader in the development of a new program focused on the growth and neurodevelopment of newborn infants who require surgery for congenital heart disease.  In June 2023 Lori will celebrate 32 years of service at UCSF, which she is both proud and honored to have accomplished.  

Lori also had a personal journey at UCSF when she was diagnosed with Stage 3b breast cancer and was immersed into the patient experience; while vulnerable and frightening, this strengthened her belief in the values and possibilities that UCSF offers.  Her son, then 12 years old, started a non-profit organization, Boys Against Breast Cancer (BoyzABC), whose mission is to raise money that supports UCSF Breast Cancer Research and financial support for women receiving breast cancer treatment at UCSF.  "My professional and personal experiences at UCSF have strengthened and defined my leadership goals and priorities moving forward."  

Can you tell us about an important role model or mentor in your life?

I have been fortunate to have an outstanding role model and mentor throughout my advanced practice career.  Martha A. Q. Curley, RN, PhD, FAAN, was my clinical residency preceptor during graduate school.  I was able to work alongside her for three months when she was the CNS in the PICU at Boston Children’s Hospital.  Martha is an international leader and premier clinical scientist in pediatric critical care and a strong advocate for nursing.  Her mentorship resulted in my participation as the UCSF site primary investigator in two multicenter clinical trials.  UCSF PICU was the leading enrollment site for a prone positioning study.  This study not only changed pediatric critical care practice but served as a foundation for the care of adult patients with COVID-19.  Even more important, Martha taught me how to lead nurses to best define their practice and vision for change, a leadership value I practice every day.  

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work I like to cook meals for my family and friends, walk my dog and exercise.  

If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?

If I could go anywhere for one day, I would go to Maui, Hawaii with my husband.  

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