United Hospital

Spectrum Health Celebrates Certified Nurses Day

Nurses share benefits of special credentials.

GREENVILLE, Mich., March 21, 2022 – In observance of Certified Nurses Day March 19, two Spectrum Health United and Kelsey Hospital nurses shared the significance of gaining additional knowledge through extra certification.

Over 40 registered nurses at United and Kelsey hospitals have achieved a nursing certification, demonstrating professionalism and excellence. Certified Nurses Day is March 19, the birthday of nurse credentialing expert and advocate, Margarette Madden.

“As a nurse, obtaining a professional certification demonstrates that you are committed to going above and beyond by taking this initiative and becoming an expert in your field,” said Kristen Van Stensel, clinical nurse specialist at both hospitals. “This is an amazing way to role model to other nurses how important it is to continually learn and grow in your own practice.”

Amanda Reed, RN, achieved her medical-surgical emergency department certification (CMSRN) in 2016.

“I decided to earn my CMSRN because I wanted to feel more confident in my nursing skills and I feel that it’s important to stay up to date on the newest evidence-based practices to give my patients high quality care,” Reed said. “I am passionate about the care I provide to my patients, and I strive to give them the best care I can.”

Reed completed her RN in 2012 at Grand Rapids Community College and her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2018 from Purdue University Global. She currently works part time in the inpatient and intensive care units at United Hospital and part time as a clinical nursing instructor at Montcalm Community College.

Reed said she studied for about three months before taking the CMSRN exam and said continuing to learn is important.

“I feel that continuing education is important to improving my patient care and outcomes,” she said. “I also want to be a role model for new RNs on our floor and have the knowledge and confidence to be their preceptor to train them.”

Kris Ooms, RN, earned her critical care certification (CCRN) in 1999.

Ooms said she was urged by peers to complete the advanced certification and earning it validated her knowledge.

She prepared for the certification exam for 18 months and attended a class at Grand Valley State University to help in her preparation.

A veteran nurse, Ooms has worked in respiratory therapy, orthopedics, obstetrics, pediatrics along with working in the intensive care unit and the emergency department, where she currently works at United Hospital.

She completed her RN at Mercy Medical Center School of Nursing, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 1982 and earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2013 from American Sentinel University.

Ooms agreed with Reed in the importance of continuing education. She attended the American Association of Critical Care Nurses conference 10 consecutive years after receiving her advanced certification.

“It is important to continue to learn throughout your career and never stop learning,” she said.

To commemorate Certified Nurses Day, each advanced certification nurse at United and Kelsey Hospitals received a small gift and were recognized in displays at each hospital.

 

 About Spectrum Health

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides care and coverage, comprising 31,000+ team members, 14 hospitals (including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital), a robust network of care facilities, teams of nationally recognized doctors and providers, and the nation’s third-largest provider-sponsored health plan, Priority Health, currently serving over 1 million members across the state of Michigan.

People are at the heart of everything we do. Locally governed and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we are focused on our mission: to improve health, inspire hope and save lives. Spectrum Health has a legacy of strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Through experience, innovation and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness.

Contact:
John Norton
Corporate Communications Manager
Office: 231.592.4387
Mobile: 231.580.1079
Email: john.norton@corewellhealth.org