NaKeisha “Nikki” D. Washington, MSN, MBA, RN, CNOR is a Director of Surgical Services at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton, CA. Most recently, Nikki was a former travel nurse with Whitman Partners where she assumed the role as Interim Educator or Surgical Services at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Nikki was an administrator and lead to Periop 101. Nikki also created and implemented the surgical technologist externship program. Prior to entering the realm of travel nursing, Nikki was the Director of Nursing at the DeBakey Heart & Vascular Cath Lab & Pacemaker Clinic in Houston, Texas where she was instrumental in bridging the gap between the operating room and procedure areas. Nikki has been a member of AORN of Greater Houston since 2007, is a member of the Texas Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, and a Lifetime member of AORN National. Nikki has served as the treasurer of AORN of Greater Houston, AORN of Greater Houston's president/president-elect, AORN National Nominating Committee member, member of the Houston Community College System Surgical Technology Advisory Board, CCI CNOR Champion, CNOR Prep Course Instructor, and several professional council chairs/co-chairs. Prior to her role in cardiovascular services, Nikki was an RN IV Clinical Educator at Houston Methodist Outpatient Center where she was instrumental in bridging professional gaps in transitioning for Novice to Expert Nurses. As a result, Nikki created a workshop for OR nurse residents assisting them with tools for a successful transition from novice to expert. Nikki has presented at local and national professional conferences focusing on nursing incivility, embracing the leader in you, and taking ownership and accountability in nursing collaboration. Nikki was inducted into the Phi Chi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing for her dedication to leadership. Nikki is actively involved in her community sharing nursing wellness.