Memorial Website with full obituary, photos and stories: memorialwebsites.legacy.com/sandyfoxsell

Sandra Sell CRNA, MSN                                      October 11, 1955 to July 9, 2009

Sandra (Fox) Sell graduated with her BSN in 1977 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  Sandy relocated to Pittsburgh from St. Mary's PA to begin her nursing career at Montefiore Hospital working in the Surgical ICU before attending the University Health Center of Pittsburgh School of Anesthesia for Nurses from 1978-1980 to become a CRNA.  Sandy always embraced education and she attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing from 1983-1988 and earned her Masters Degree in Nursing Education.

During her career in nurse anesthesia Sandy worked in a variety of clinical settings and excelled in all. Her professional journey began at Presbyterian University Hospital upon graduation from anesthesia school where she quickly rose to the position of Chief Nurse Anesthetist in 1987. When the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center expanded to include Montefiore and Eye and Ear Hospitals in 1990, Sandy was selected as the first Director of Anesthesia Services for this newly created entity. Merging the CRNA staff of 3 hospitals into a harmonious, functional department was no small task - but Sandy rose to the challenge. She was respected by all for her openness, fairness, insight, and the motivation she provided to help everyone reach their career goals - all with a smile and a positive spirit despite the challenges of the moment.

In 1994 Sandy stepped down from the demands management to return to clinical practice and focus more attention to her family needs. The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Nurse Anesthesia Program was very fortunate to recruit her into a full time Faculty position in 1999 where she remained until returning to clinical anesthesia at UPMC Braddock Hospital in 2007.  Sandy loved diverse environments, change and challenges and worked at multiple area facilities on a part time or casual basis during her full time employment. Among those were Aestique Ambulatory Surgical Center, Somerset Hospital, Trabe Anesthesia, UPMC Bethel and Magee, and Locum Tenens for Indiana Regional Medical Center.

During her tenure with the University of Pittsburgh Nurse Anesthesia Program Sandy was well respected by her colleagues and students. She developed various simulation programs and managed all of the clinical assignments in addition to multiple teaching responsibilities. Sandy always had a passion for the disadvantaged as well as a drive to bring the need for education to the attention of young children. She worked tirelessly to create and implement multiple large scale community initiatives that involved bringing the OR to various schools, many times involving the entire school in the events.   Photos from the many community initiatives.

Sandy also worked with the Anesthesia Technician program at Carlow College from 1997-1999 and co-authored a textbook to be used as a training manual that was adopted by many other programs in the country.  Sandy was honored by the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists with the Clinician of the Year Award in 2001 and the Outstanding Didactic Instructor Award in 2003.  She was part of a group of Faculty and CRNAs that received the Crystal Apple Award in 2005 from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists for the Creation of a Structured Mentoring Program. Sandy authored several articles and abstracts which are listed on this Website.  Sandy also presented extensively at state and local meetings and was involved with many other activities in her community.

By far the personal accomplishment she was most proud of would be her children Jessica, Kristin, Sam, Luke and the late David for whom she directed her energies and dedicated her life.  Sandy’s spirit, energy, ideals, beliefs, values, and hopes touched everyone she encountered in some way.

Sandy passed away suddenly while on vacation with her family on July 9, 2009. 

Sandra Sell Nurse Anesthesia Fund Award

The tremendous outpouring of support from the many alumni, students, colleagues and friends she touched throughout her 30 year career allowed the University of Pittsburgh Nurse Anesthesia Program to establish this Fund in her memory.  The award in her name is called the SPIRIT award because that is what we believe best describes her character.  Sandy was a unique individual, known for her captivating smile that could light up a room. Her positive outlook was incredible – her glass was not just half full, the faucet was running.  And her dedication to her family and the anesthesia profession was exceptional.  She touched so many lives in so many ways.

The letters in the word SPIRIT stand for Strength, Passion, Innovation, Respect, Inspiration, and Thoughtful.  The first award was presented by Laura Palmer on December 19, 2009 during the graduation ceremony at the LeMont. 

Award Winners:  Emily Makitka, Class of 2009 Fall Cara Langeland, Class of 2010 Spring Melissa Aretz, Class of 2010 Fall Michael Cellurale, Class of 2011 Spring Jacob Carlson, Class of 2011 Fall

About the Award

	SANDRA SELL SPIRIT AWARD
This award design was selected because it reflects her personality.  Contemporary yet elegant, not symmetrical, smooth and flowing, bright and clear, but with a touch of rich color.

Supporting this Nurse Anesthesia Fund

The Sandra Sell Nurse Anesthesia Fund will seek to assist nurse anesthesia students with their education. Currently, the average debt incurred per student following completion of the program is over $60,000. Students selected to receive the monies will exemplify Sandy's spirit and commitment to her profession.

To make a contribution to the Sandra Sell Nurse Anesthesia Fund, please print the donation form and return it with your contribution. 

You may fulfill your tax-deductible pledge over a multi-year period. In addition to gifts of cash, special arrangements can be made for gifts of stock, securities, or corporate matching gifts.

For additional information, please contact:

Janice Devine

Director of Development

University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing

218 Victoria Building

Pittsburgh, PA 15261

Phone: (412) 624-0856 or 866-217-1124

E-mail: jad154@pitt.edu

The official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. 
Registration does not imply endorsement.