VHSO takes pride in honoring and celebrating the clinical excellence, professionalism, and dedication of our nurses who have pursued certification.
These exceptional individuals have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to advancing nursing and patient care, and their achievements are truly commendable.
Becoming a certified nurse is no small feat. It requires a deep commitment to furthering their education to validate their experience, knowledge, and expertise. This rigorous process includes meeting specific requirements and passing a certification exam, often overseen by professional societies like the American Nurses Association and the American Nurses Credentialing Center. For instance, a nurse with the initials “CEN” after their name is recognized as a certified emergency nurse, signifying their specialized competence.
Some different types of Certifications Registered Nurses at VHSO hold are:
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN): Specializes in the care of critically ill patients.
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN): Focuses on emergency care and trauma nursing.
- Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN): Provides care for patients with cancer.
- Gerontological Nursing: Focuses on the care of older adults.
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Provides care for individuals with mental health disorders.
- Medical-Surgical Nursing: Addresses a wide range of conditions and can involve caring for patients who have suffered a stroke, undergone a tracheostomy, and much more.
- Wound Care Nursing: Specializes in the care of wounds and skin conditions.
- Nurse Educator (CNE): Specializes in teaching and educating nurses.
- Cardiac Care Nursing: Specializes in the care of patients with cardiovascular conditions.
- Hospice Nursing: Provides care for people in their last days, weeks, and months of life.
VHSO Associate Director, Patient Care Services, Jenifer Thornbrugh, MSN, RN, said, “VHSO encourages and supports continual education for all nurses. The VA provides evidence-based and best practices. Continual education and certification are just one avenue use to ensure VHSO delivers the latest, up-to-date care to our Veterans.”
Certified Nurses Day, established in 2008, serves as a tribute to this enduring commitment. Certification not only validates a nurse’s specialized knowledge and skills but also leads to improved patient outcomes and exemplifies an unwavering dedication to professional development and excellence.
Tera Easter Short, RN, Certified Wound Nurse (CWON) said, “I’m so glad I got my certification. I’ve worked at VHSO for 12 years, and I love working with Veterans. I received my certification 3 years ago, and it has given me confidence in providing the best patient care for our Veterans.”
VHSO is proudly has 20+ nurses that hold certifications. VHSO commends all of our certified nurses for their extraordinary contributions and their steadfast commitment to excellence.
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