Tanya Gros, RN, CPAN, Named 2022 Advocacy Award Recipient

Every year, ABPANC recognizes a CPAN or CAPA certified nurse who exemplifies leadership as a patient advocate with its highest honor, the Advocacy Award. ABPANC is pleased to present the award this year to Tanya Gros, RN, CPAN of Oschner Medical Center North Shore in Slidell, Louisiana.
Tanya was presented with the prestigious recognition at the CPAN^®/CAPA^® Celebration Luncheon at the ASPAN National Conference in Philadelphia on April 8. Tanya was nominated by her colleague Christie Rodi, CAPA.

Her nominator wrote: “In the face of a scary and unfamiliar situation, Tanya showed great courage and a selfless attitude. She led the way for other nurses to step out of their comfort zones and help in other roles throughout our hospital.”

A CPAN certified nurse, Tanya is respected for her ability to lead by example. During the fourth COVID surge in July 2021, her hospital was facing a tough decision. Because there were not enough nurses to cover an overnight shift, surgeries were being cancelled, putting patients and their families in a difficult situation.

However, Tanya developed a staffing plan to cover the overnight care, which included herself and two other nurses. As clinical coordinator, she had not worked the floor before on this unit. As a salaried employee, she received additional compensation taking on an extra shift. But she knew that patients needed their planned surgeries, and she was willing to do whatever was needed to provide exceptional patient care.

Congratulations to Tanya on this outstanding honor in recognition of her selfless care for her patients.