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Additional Training and Certifications Are Essential for Today’s Nurses

Spectrum Health Recognizes Advanced Credentials and Expertise

Nurses who continue to improve their expertise and education are being celebrated this week at Spectrum Health.

This Friday, March 19, is Certified Nurses Day, a national event acknowledging nursing specialties such as medical/surgical, pediatric, pain management, cardiac, vascular, oncology, hospice, case management, emergency, and critical care. Spectrum Health employs more than 2,300 nurses in Grand Rapids alone.

While a registered nurse (RN) license provides entry to general nursing practice, the requirements of modern nursing require extensive continued education.

“In this era of specialization, it isn’t enough to hold a nursing degree and nursing license,” said Jeanne Roode, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CNRN, director, emergency, trauma and neuroscience services. “As nurses, we have an obligation as professionals to attain the highest level of knowledge within our specialty. If I am involved in patient care decisions, it is vitally important  that I am familiar with the highest standards of care.”

National nurse certification organizations are accredited by either the Accrediation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (nursingcertification.org) or the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (credentialingexcellence.org).

“Earning additional nursing certifications demonstrates a commitment to the profession,” added Roode. “It says, ‘I am giving my patients and my team the best I have to offer.'”

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan that offers a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, a collection of seven hospitals and more than 140 service sites; the Spectrum Health Medical Group, mmpc® and West Michigan Heart-physician groups totaling more than 400 providers; and Priority Health, a health plan with nearly 580,000 members. Spectrum Health’s 16,000 employees, 1,500 medical staff members and 2,200 volunteers are committed to delivering the highest quality care. The organization provided $79.4 million in community benefit during its 2009 fiscal year. As a system, Spectrum Health has earned more than 100 awards since it was formed in 1997.