Christine Perebzak inducted as clinical nurse specialist fellow

Christine Perebzak

Congratulations to Christine Perebzak, clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in the emergency room (ER), for being inducted into the Clinical Nurse Specialist Institute (CNSI) as a fellow.

In 2019, CNSI launched its fellow program to honor clinical nurse specialists whose leadership, contributions, clinical expertise, scholarship and advocacy advance the unique value of the CNS role in health care at the local, state and national levels.

Christine will be formally honored during the CNSI Fellow Induction Ceremony and gala on March 10 in San Diego, California.

A career rooted in Akron Children’s

Christine’s career at Akron Children’s has spanned 4 decades and reflects her deep commitment to pediatric health care.

“I began working at Akron Children’s as a nurse tech while in nursing school,” she shared. “After starting as a staff nurse on what is now 5600, I spent many years in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) serving as a staff nurse, clinical coordinator and education coordinator before earning my master’s degree as a CNS.

“I then transitioned to the ER, where I have practiced for the past 11 years,” she added.

Inspired early on by her cousin, who was a nurse, Christine knew she wanted a career helping others.

“Nursing felt like the perfect blend of compassion, science and purpose,” she said.

The role of a CNS

As a CNS, Christine supports advancing patient care and supporting staff performance – especially in the fast-paced ER environment.

“I function as a clinical leader and change agent by guiding evidence-based practice and driving quality improvement initiatives,” she said. “Through mentorship, education and interdisciplinary collaboration, I influence care delivery at the bedside, unit and organizational levels to enhance patient outcomes and promote a culture of safety.”

Driving change through evidence and collaboration

Through the years, Christine has led multidisciplinary initiatives including developing a ketamine policy for use outside the ICU. She also serves as principal investigator on a blood culture contamination study, leads the Lab Specimen Integrity Quality Initiative and contributes to multiple ER and organization-wide committees focused on quality and safety.

Christine shared her gratitude for being named a CNSI Fellow.

“I’m thrilled and deeply honored to be selected,” she shared. “It’s incredibly meaningful to be recognized among such accomplished clinical nurse specialists.”

A role that makes a difference

Christine said the most rewarding moments of her career are those where preparation, collaboration and teamwork align to create a measurable impact on patient care.

“Supporting nurses and interdisciplinary teams ultimately leads to better patient outcomes and fosters a culture grounded in safety and quality,” she said.

Christine emphasized that her professional accomplishments are deeply rooted in the people she works with.

“I’ve been privileged to work alongside exceptional nurses, physicians and leaders who have influenced my professional growth,” she said. “They instilled in me the value of collaboration, lifelong learning and supporting others so we can consistently deliver the highest standard of care.”

For nurses aspiring to expand their leadership influence while remaining engaged in clinical practice, Christine offers this advice: remain curious, actively look for mentorship and never stop learning.