Let’s all take a moment to thank Aunt Geri. For it was Aunt Geri, after all, who helped bring us CRNA Jacque Kroenke.
Geri Kobes, a long-time registered nurse on the Preop/PACU team, is Kroenke’s aunt and godmother. The two have been close for decades. Kroenke even followed in Aunt Geri’s footsteps, also becoming a nurse.
When Kroenke knew she wanted to further her medical career to an APRN-level responsibility, Aunt Geri volunteered to set up a shadowing experience with Tim Glidden, director of nurse anesthesia. At the end of that experience, the challenging cases and culture of teamwork had spoken. Kroenke wanted to be a CRNA at UNMC.
“We get an opportunity in pre-op to make a personal connection with our patient and learn something unique about them,” Kroenke said. “What you make of that opportunity can change that patient’s experience by providing a great anesthetic tailored to them. Whether it is reducing anxiety, controlling pain, or avoiding nausea, you get a chance to provide the best comfort.”
After earning a Master’s of Science in nurse anesthesia from Kansas University, Kroenke joined the department in August 2008. Two years later, she was amongst a team of peers who helped open the Nebraska Medicine’s Bellevue location. It was there that her CRNA career broadened with the variety and challenge associated with working within many different locations and divisions.
“It’s great to be surrounded by people who are good at what they do,” Kroenke said. “You always have the opportunity to learn from others and pick up their strengths. We have so much knowledge at our finger tips.”
Kroenke has worked at the Lauritzen Outpatient Center, Midwest Eye Surgery Center, Village Pointe Dreams Med Spa and Ambulatory Surgery Center and main campus. Kroenke is also on the CRNA leadership committee that meets regularly with department officials to address big-picture issues.
“Jacque is a hard-working team player who will go the extra mile to execute our goal,” said Glidden. “We’re fortunate to have her here and benefit from her leadership.”
When she’s not at work, you can usually find Kroenke with her family enjoying outdoor activities like biking and water sports. She and her husband, Jess, have three children: Skylar, 8, Connor, 6, and Claire, 4.
CRNA Spotlight: Jacque Kroenke
