by Lisa Langdale, R.N., and Carla Pascoe, R.N.
Magnet Structural Empowerment Committee

More than 280 nurses were recognized for their accomplishments at the National Certified Nurses' Day event March 19.

Nurses have attained certifications in the following areas: nurse practitioner, ambulatory care, case management, oncology, critical care, trauma, emergency, wound care, nurse executive, lactation, operating room, neonatal, gastroenterology, diabetes education, professional development, transplant coordinator and neuroscience.

In honor of National Certified Nurses Day, MUSC celebrated the event with cupcakes and credentialing information March 19.

The MUSC medical center has embarked on a journey to achieve the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet designation. As the nurses strive for excellence, a goal has been established to increase the number of certified registered nurses by 5 percent each year for the next two years.

To support this goal, the medical center is providing a certification incentive with monetary assistance for the initial and recertification expenses of any staff member seeking certification. The incentive covers review courses and examination fees. The recertification process requires continuing education hours and, in some instances, adequate practice hours. The hospital also provides free or discounted hours through the Lowcountry Area Health Education Center Consortium membership.

Elizabeth Grannell, R.N., has held a national certification in neuroscience nursing since 2008.

"I feel proud to have a formal recognition of my knowledge in my specialty. Certification to me means that the time, energy and passion that I put into my career as a neuroscience nurse is not only recognized by my patients and peers, it is also recognized on a national level as well," she said.

Statistics from ANCC show that hospitals with Magnet designation and an increased percentage of certified nursing staff experience fewer hospital-acquired infections, such as central line associated blood stream infections or ventilator associated pneumonia, and have fewer falls with harm or hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. These hospitals also have higher patient and staff nurse satisfaction and engagement scores.

Sylvia Holmes, R.N., believes a certified nurse with specialized knowledge and understanding exhibits a confidence that translates into a more effective environment with better patient care outcomes.

"A CNRN [certified neuroscience registered nurse] certification will give me a higher level of job satisfaction and greater success in the field of neuroscience nursing. Although this will broaden my understanding of neuro nursing, the certification will also improve my skills and enable me to give quality care to my patients, thereby placing all my patient care first for the neurological impaired patient," she said.