Awards, Spectrum Health West Michigan, Big Rapids Hospital

Spectrum Health Nurses Earn Advanced Certification

More than 20 medical surgical nurses take specialized training.

July 22, 2019

BIG RAPIDS, Mich., July 22, 2019 – After completing specialized training and passing an advanced exam, Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital Medical Surgical Nurse Laura Steffens is now a Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN).

Steffens is the first nurse at Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City hospitals to earn the CMSRN distinction, in addition to Clinical Nurse Specialist Shannon Behling who is an instructor for nurses training to become certified.

“By taking this exam, the nurses are demonstrating a professional commitment to their career and their patients,” Behling said.

The Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) exam combines current nursing science and evidence-based practices a nurse will apply to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

More than 20 nurses in Big Rapids and Reed City are going through the process of becoming a CMRSN.

“We are so proud of our nurses who are willing to go above and beyond to validate their clinical knowledge by successfully completing the certification exam,” said Caroline Ring, Chief Nursing Officer for Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City hospitals. “Nursing is a profession that requires continuous learning as scientific knowledge advances. Completing a certification exam challenges nurses to stay up to date on the latest clinical information.”

“Certification is a great way to demonstrate clinical expertise,” Ring added.

The CMSRN credential recognizes the highest standards of medical surgical nursing has been achieved and validates the expertise and knowledge of the medical surgical nurse.

Steffens has been with Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital for 12 years. She and her husband Dave live on Horsehead Lake in Rodney with children Ellen and Michael.

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