NCAP Spotlight

Crystal Robinson, M.S., B.S.N., R.N., CPAN, is passionate about knowledge and helping others, two traits that have helped propel her to Nursing Career Advancement Program (NCAP) Level V.

“I feel like I want to make an impact and be inspiring as a lifelong learner,” said Robinson, who works in the post anesthesia care unit at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. “If I improve myself, I know I can inspire others around me.”

She started her healthcare journey as an operating room nurse extern at Texas Health Dallas, then worked for several other healthcare systems. She returned to Texas Health Dallas as an NCAP Level II but was able to transition to Level IV within her first year back.

As she worked toward higher levels, Robinson threw herself into committees, became a High Reliability Organization coach/superuser, a Versant (now called Texas Health Graduate Residency) debriefer, a charge nurse, became more involved in the Texas Association of Paranesthesia Nurses and also became a competency verifier on her unit. Robinson also worked with a researcher on a project.

Through NCAP, she said, she has “learned I can make a difference and that I enjoy being a resource. I get a sense of confidence within myself to know how I can help the department and the hospital grow.”

Robinson was working on her master’s degree in nursing education at Texas Woman’s University when it was time to renew her Level IV and decided she could aim for Level V instead. It was challenging, but she succeeded.

For anyone who thinks they’re too busy for NCAP, Robinson said, “My motto would be that you can do anything you set your mind to. It’s our responsibility to be involved and seek out possibilities to grow our profession for the future. Not every organization has leveling — take advantage of the opportunities that are in front of you.”

By Judy Wiley  • Posted June 24, 2021