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MUSC honors MICU nurse for unique certification by Heather Woolwine Public Relations MUSC Critical Care and Emergency Services recognized Jennifer Wieckowski, R.N., medical intensive care unit (MICU) as the first nurse in the hospital to receive instructor certification in fundamental critical care support (FCCS) last January.   The recognition was given in observance of Nurse’s Week (May 6-12) and May as National Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month.   FCCS is a national program sponsored by the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) aimed at improving the level of safety and quality of patient care. As physician and nursing shortages loom within critical care services throughout the country, the SCCM asked that people wear blue on May 19 to show support for the discipline.   “National Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month is an opportunity for critical care professionals to inform their hospital administration, legislators, friends, family, and the public about the value of critical care services,” said SCCM President Charles G. Durbin, Jr., M.D. “It’s also an opportunity for critical care professionals to become involved in solving the issues facing the profession.”   The FCCS program involves extensive training of health care personnel involved in the management of critically ill patients. National certifications recognize individuals  for their professional expertise and skills. Nursing certifications further support MUSC’s path to excellence and, as noted in a recent nursing publication, certifications also improve patient care outcomes. Wieckowski’s attendance was supported but MICU’s staff and interim manager, Janet Byrne, R.N. It was jointly funded by the MICU medical director, Alice Boylan, M.D., and director for Critical Care and Emergency Services, Sharon DeGrace, R.N.   “To quote a famous chef, certification in a critical care specialty ‘kicks it up a notch’ for our nurses. While MUSC has many excellent and highly skilled nurses who, for many legitimate reasons, have not yet been able to pursue certification, those who have achieved this distinction are in a position to provide patients and families with a more comprehensive, evidenced based practice,” DeGrace said. “As preceptors and mentors, their advanced knowledge enhances both patient care and the student’s experience.   “Certification greatly expands one’s knowledge and understanding of the path of physiology, treatment and nursing care options associated with the critically ill patient. It identifies the nurse as a professional who is exceptionally self-directed and goal-oriented in a continuous pursuit of learning. We applaud those who have achieved this significant distinction and those who aspire to it’s pursuit in the future.”     During the month of May, SCCM encouraged everyone to applaud  the efforts of members of the critical care team. It is the only organization devoted to the advancement of multi-professional intensive care through excellence in patient care, education, research, and advocacy. SCCM recognized the devoted professionals whose compassion and dedication to the care of the critically ill and injured has made a significant difference in the lives of their patients and their patients’ families. Friday, May 12, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publication at 849-1778, ext. 201.