WakeMed Earns National Recognition as an AORN Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety 

Raleigh, N.C. (April 20, 2026) — WakeMed is the first health system in North Carolina and among just four in the nation to be designated as a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), the nation’s leading authority on perioperative nursing practice.

This recognition honors the system’s — and WakeMed Surgical Services nurses’ — commitment to improving patients’ physical and psychological well-being before, during, and after surgery through consistent, evidence-based Enhanced Recovery practices.

“ERAS is one of the strongest examples of how coordinated, interdisciplinary practice improves patient outcomes,” said David Wyatt, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNOR, FAORN, FAAN, AORN CEO & Executive Director. “This designation reflects a facility’s commitment to shared standards, teamwork, and the evidence-based interventions that make surgery safer.” 

“WakeMed is committed to providing whole-person health care and this recognition demonstrates just how strong our commitment is,” explains Cindy Alness Boily, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, WakeMed senior vice president & Chief Nursing Officer. “I am extremely proud of our Surgical Services nurses, who led efforts to achieve our AORN Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety achievement. WakeMed is among the few health systems in the United States to earn Magnet® with Distinction recognition. Our AORN designation is further proof of WakeMed nurses’ steadfast focus on continuously improving patient outcomes.” 

The Center of Excellence designation signifies that WakeMed has successfully completed AORN’s comprehensive ERAS program, an evidence-based, multidisciplinary initiative focused on reducing postoperative complications, improving pain management, optimizing recovery and strengthening team communication.

This achievement reflects WakeMed’s dedication to elevating surgical care, advancing outcomes, and ensuring consistent, high-quality recovery experiences for every patient.

About WakeMed Health & Hospitals

Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed is a not-for-profit health care system founded and based in Raleigh, N.C. WakeMed exists to improve the health and well-being of our community by providing outstanding and compassionate care to all. WakeMed’s 973-bed system comprises a network of facilities throughout the Triangle area, including three full-service hospitals, a mental health & well-being hospital, eight emergency departments, a dedicated Children’s Hospital and Rehabilitation Hospital, two exceptional Trauma Centers—a Level I Trauma Center in Raleigh and a Level III Trauma Center in Cary, and more than 175 physician and physical therapy practice offices. WakeMed’s mission-driven team includes more than 12,800 employees, 1,300 volunteers, and 1,300 affiliated physicians along with a network of 900+ primary care and specialty providers with WakeMed Physician Practices—all representing the best minds and the biggest hearts and the finest quality in health care and community health. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org or follow WakeMed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.