Emily Krueger made a leap of faith when she changed her career path to nursing. After working in computer science during technology’s most transformative years, she made the move to nursing in 2009 after receiving her BSN from Grand Valley State University. She found a home in the nursing field, and in hopes of tapping into the skill set that she used in the computer field, she opted to continue her education at MSU. Today she stands as a 2022 graduate of the DNP program, specializing as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Emily employs evidence-based care in all she does. She demonstrates the knowledge and skills learned at MSU as she leads and participates in several interprofessional quality improvement projects for Trinity Health Grand Rapids. She mentors many new nurses that practice in perioperative services, which includes nurses in preop, intraop, postop, and endoscopy, ensuring that they are knowledgeable of the newest practice changes. Her leadership also extends back to MSU, appearing as a guest lecturer and panel expert for College of Nursing graduate students. Every advancement Emily makes is shared with new nurses and students alike.

View more of Dr. Krueger's story from CON's Lifelines.

One of Emily’s most recent achievements led to massive increases in intraop compliance at Trinity Health. She led an initiative to increase periarticular injection during intraoperative total knee and total hip arthroplasties. The initiative was run entirely by operating nurses, and the pain management technique increased compliance from 60% to 100%, which had positive effects on pain control management in the postop phase of care.

Emily continues to make incredible strides in quality care at her organization and is invaluable to preparing students and new nurses to perform their best. She will continue to inspire future Spartan Nurses for years to come.