Nurses Recognized for Excellence

Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC) is honoring its board-certified nurses in observance of Certified Nurses Day, March 19. One hundred and fifty nurses representing 23 specialty areas are being recognized for their professionalism, leadership and commitment to excellence in patient care.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Nurses Association (ANA) designated March 19 as Certified Nurses Day because it is the birthday of Margrete Madden Styles, a visionary nursing leader and scholar who was known as the “Mother of Nurse Credentialing.” The purpose of this day is to recognize those who have achieved certifications and to encourage other nurses to seize the opportunity and further their education.

“Every year the number of nurses we honor on Certified Nurses Day grows, providing us an opportunity to recognize staff who have taken the additional steps required to become certified in their area of focus,” said AVMC Chief Nursing Officer Aya Smith. “Our nurses’ pursuit of certification speaks to the high standards of our team in providing exceptional care for our patients.”

Some of the specialty areas in which AVMC nurses have achieved certification include neonatal intensive care, critical care, emergency, pediatric, surgery, obstetrics and 17 others.

Board certification of nurses plays an increasingly important role in the assurance of high standards of care for patients and their loved ones. Nursing, like healthcare in general has become increasingly complex. While a registered nurse (RN) license provides entry to general nursing practice, the knowledge-intensive requirements of modern nursing necessitate extensive education, as well as a strong personal commitment to excellence by the nurse.