Tomorrow, 19 March, is Certified Nurses Day in the USA. The recognition originally was to honor the birthday of Margretta “Gretta” Madden Styles, RN, FAAN, and EdD., one of the best in her field.
Let’s recognize these outstanding professionals for their service.
Certified nurses are those who earn additional credentials beyond their basic nursing education. That means they passed a rigorous certification exam in their area of expertise. These nurses demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in their specialty, making them valuable assets to any healthcare team.
Before I get into some of the history and background, I want to recognize my great-nephew specifically, and he really is great, Jon Legere, for his continued service to the nursing corps.
And my cousin, Cheryl Young, served many years as a caregiver, forsaking much of her personal life to ensure those for whom she provided care were well cared for and comfortable.
A brief history of nursing & its many specialties
Nursing has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was predominantly a role for women in their homes. However, the nursing corps did not become a formal profession until the 19th century.
Florence Nightingale is credited with establishing nursing as a respected profession during the Crimean War. She pioneered the field, advocating for proper sanitation and hygiene practices. These practices ultimately led to reduced mortality rates in hospitals.
Today, nursing has evolved into a diverse field with many specialties (more than 200), including critical care, pediatrics, oncology, geriatrics, and many more. Each specialty requires specialized knowledge and skills essential to optimal patient care.
The Importance of Certification in Nursing
Certification in nursing is an important aspect of advancing the profession and ensuring quality patient care.
By earning certification, nurses demonstrate their commitment to staying updated with their specialty's latest practices and technologies. Certification also enhances these nurses' job opportunities and potential for career advancement.
The rigorous certification process requires nurses to meet specific education and experience requirements and pass a comprehensive exam. Once certified, nurses must continue their education and demonstrate ongoing competency to maintain their certification.
Celebrating the Contributions of Certified Nurses
Certified nurses play a vital role in the healthcare industry. They provide specialized care to patients and support other healthcare professionals. They work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health agencies.
Certified nurses bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their roles. They improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care. They mentor other nurses and are valuable resources to their colleagues.
Certified Nurses' Day provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of certified nurses to the healthcare industry. It is a day to honor their dedication, hard work, and commitment to providing excellent patient care.
This Certified Nurses Day, let’s take a moment to recognize and celebrate the contribution of certified nurses to the healthcare industry. Say thank you to a proud nursing professional today!
4. Bishop, L., & Scudder, J. (2016). The importance of certification in nursing practice. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 21(1). doi: 10.3912/OJIN.Vol21No01PPT21
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About the author
Stephen Dalton is a native of Old Town, ME, and a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. He is a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Top Writer in Travel, Food, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, Short Story, and a NewsBreak Community Voice Pro.
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