By Douglas H. Stutz, Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs
BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) recognized Certified Nurses Day March 19 by acknowledging the professional credibility, achievement and improved patient care of staff members with nursing certification.
"It takes a lot of work, dedication and commitment to become a certified nurse," said Capt. Iris Boehnke, Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) director of Nursing Services, noting that there are 64 nurses at NHB out of 169 who have achieved their certification. "We have almost 38 percent of our staff certified, which is almost double the national average of less than 20 percent."
Lt. Cmdr Cherri Vilhauer was specifically honored for holding the longest certification tenure of 22 years as an operating room nurse, and Cmdr. Thecly Scott for holding the most certifications with four in electronic fetal monitoring, inpatient obstetrics, nurse midwife, and women's health nurse practitioner.
"I extend congratulations to everyone who has gone above and beyond for their certification. We all benefit, especially our patients. Certified nurses improve on our overall quality, safety and patient care," said Capt. Christopher Culp, NHB commanding officer.
The date is testimony to the enduring legacy of Margretta "Gretta" Madden Styles, doctor of education, registered nurse and Fellowship of American Academy Nursing (1903-2005). March 19 is Styles' birthday, and she became known as the 'Mother of Nurse Credentialing' and a visionary scholar who made an international impact on the nursing profession.
"Today is Certified Nurses Day, " said Cmdr. Doug Stephens, officer-in-charge of The David R. Ray Health Center at Naval Branch Health Center EverettI owe a lot to the nurses that got me where I am today. The thousands of certified nurses in the U.S. today and the growing role of certification in contributing to better patient outcomes are a lasting testament to Styles legacy. So, have a great day and thank you for everything that you do every day."
According to Lt. Cmdr. David J. McIntire, NHB Critical Care department head, registered nurse, BSN (Bachelor's of Science in Nursing), CCRN (adult critical care nursing), board certification of nurses plays an increasingly important role in the assurance of high standards of care for patients and their loved ones. Nursing, like health care in general has become increasingly complex. While a registered nurse license provides entry to general nursing practice, the knowledge-intensive requirements of modern nursing require extensive education, as well as a strong personal commitment to excellence by the nurse.
"Becoming a certified nurse is proof you know your profession and certification in specific fields varies but not by much," said Lt. Cmdr. Geoffrey Plant, of NHB's Family Medicine and board certified in medical-surgical nursing.
Plant achieved his certification approximately 10 years ago, which has to be renewed every five years. The initial eligibility criteria in Plant's field requires a nurse to hold a current, active registered nurse (RN) license within a state or territory of the U.S. or the professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country; have practiced the equivalent of two years full-time as an RN; have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in the specialty area of medical-surgical nursing within the last three years; and have completed 30 hours of continuing education in medical-surgical nursing within the last three years.
"After putting in the hard work, then electing to get tested on your knowledge and competency and then passing the test really proves in an objective way that you know your job," Plant said.
There are 28 certifications in specific nursing fields held by staff members at NHB, including adult clinical nurse specialist, adult registered nurse practitioner, ambulatory perianesthesia nurse, case management, critical care nurse, electronic fetal monitoring, emergency room nursing, family nurse practitioner, gastroenterology nurse, infection control and epidemiology, inpatient obstetrics, lactation consultant, lactation educator, legal nurse consultant, maternal newborn nursing, medical-surgical nurse, neonatal intensive care nurse, nurse midwife, occupational health nurse specialist, operating Room nurse, pediatric emergency nurse, pediatric nurse practitioner, post anesthesia care nursing, professional in healthcare quality, professional in utilization review, registered nurse anesthetists, women's health nurse practitioner and wound ostomy continence nurse.
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