#TheMindBehind the Neurosurgery OR: Lynn Santella

Lynn Santella recently joined the Neurosurgery OR at Barrow Neurological Institute, but she’s been at home in the operating room for more than two decades.

“The complexity, constant change, and advancements within the neurosurgery specialty have amazed, and continue to amaze, me—hence my 25 years of experience in surgery and my draw to neurosurgery specifically,” Lynn said.

She began her career in 1996 as a surgical technologist and continued her journey in surgery when she became a travel nurse 10 years later.

“What a wonderful experience not only to see the workflow of many facilities and the variety of surgical cases but also meeting so many people,” she recalled.

Lynn’s adventures brought her to Arizona, and she knew she wanted to stay on a more permanent basis. She completed her travel nursing contract at Chandler Regional Medical Center and signed on as a full-time staff member. She served as registered nurse lead for neurosurgery, Medtronic Navigational Stealth Station operator, and charge nurse.

The complexity, constant change, and advancements within the neurosurgery specialty have amazed, and continue to amaze, me.

Lynn Santella, MSN, RN, CNOR

During that time, Lynn also returned to school for her Master of Science in Nursing with the desire to fulfill a role in nursing leadership.

Lynn now serves as manager of the Barrow Neurosurgery OR, where her responsibilities are vast. She oversees the Department of Neurosurgery as a whole in relationship to OR efficiency and flow. She also helps ensure compliance with The Joint Commission, which allows the department to continually improve on many aspects of patient care and safety.

Lynn is just as active and adventurous outside of work, spending her free time exercising outdoors and learning how to ballroom dance.

She is proud to be part of Barrow, with its world-renowned reputation for innovation. As manager and a member of the neurosurgery team, she vows to support advancements in neurosurgery to maintain the Institute’s position as a leader in the field.

“I will always work to improve and bring great change to Barrow Neurological Institute,” she said. “I share with you my excitement to join the Neurosurgery Department at Barrow. I look forward to working with all of you.”