Celebrating our certified nurses!

HCA Healthcare celebrates our certified nurses annually on March 19 and this year we are highlighting affiliate Northeast Methodist Hospital in Live Oak, TX.

The ICU department at Northeast Methodist Hospital has recently focused on getting their nurses certified and as a result, they have 13 (and counting!) nurses recently certified. Below are a few quotes from a few of their recently certified nurses:

"Certification represents the recognition of my ability to critically think through situations, using the knowledge I have obtained over my nursing career" - Annalysa Elizondo, BSN, RN, CCRN

"It gives me a sense of pride and achievement in my nursing career. It also reinforces my knowledge of caring for acute critically ill patients; AACN provides a lot of brochures and free CE's, when you are a member" - Aiza Stephen, BSN, RN, CCRN

"Maintaining Certification in one's specialty serves as validation of the knowledge and experience we amass, over the course of our career. It demonstrates our commitment the patients we serve, it highlights the importance of lifetime learning and it encourages the growth of professional nursing practice" - A. Albion, MSN, RN, CCRN

The value of a specialty nursing certification is becoming more important as healthcare becomes increasingly complex and challenging. Achieving certification demonstrates to patients, employers and the public that a nurse's knowledge, skills and abilities meet rigorous national standards and reflect a deep commitment to patient safety.

HCA Healthcare offers qualifying nurses who wish to pursue a specialty certification the opportunity to take advantage of discounted rates, a voucher program and reimbursement upon successfully completing the certification exam.

In 2018, more than 2,600 HCA Healthcare-affiliated registered nurses expanded their professional expertise and advanced their professional skills through the voucher program to earn certification in specialty areas, including

• Emergency Services (BCEN)
• Critical Care (AACN)
• Surgical Services (CCI)
• Medical-Surgical (ANCC)
• Medical Surgical (ONCB)

To all of our certified nurses, enjoy your special day and celebrate your success and the success of your fellow certified nurses! Your knowledge, expertise and focus to advance the practice of nursing is astounding. HCA Healthcare is proud of your contribution and thanks you for all that you do to deliver excellent care to patients and their families.