‘I had to know the whys:’’ Nurses reflect on benefits of certification
March 19 is Certified Nurses Day
Diane Goodwin
As a young nurse in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Diane Goodwin, BSN, RN, CNN, says she was always amazed at the body’s ability to heal from trauma from devastating situations.
“But that wasn’t enough. I also had to know the ‘whys’ behind how this happens,” said Goodwin, who is now an end-stage renal disease care manager in the Integrated Care Management Program. “I would research every case in hopes of understanding the intricacies of the human body. I found that the kidneys were crucial to the survival or demise of so many of these cases.”
That curiosity ignited her journey to become certified in nephrology, which has benefited her for over 30 years as she cared for patients in a dialysis clinic, managed an acute dialysis program and transitioned to her current care manager position.
Today, Goodwin is among more than 950 BWH nurses who have attained certification. Many point to their desire to gain specialized knowledge, build confidence and improve patient outcomes as their motivation for pursuing certification.
Improving patient care and outcomes
Sean Viera
Sean Viera, BSN, RN, TCRN, CBRN, sought to enhance his knowledge of the specific needs of the Burn/Trauma patients he cares for on Braunwald Tower 8AB. “I wanted to increase my knowledge, skillset and confidence to manage the experiences I’m most likely to encounter with my patients,” he said.
Viera felt better prepared and more knowledgeable about the many types of injuries he sees on Tower 8AB after studying for the certification. “Since becoming certified, there have been a few times I have been able to pick up on acute changes occurring with patients that I otherwise may not have,” he said.
Similarly, Goodwin has found that certification has made her more prepared to support her nephrology patients in navigating the complexities of their disease.
“Learning best practices has allowed me to provide high-quality, evidence-based care,” she said. “I have had the privilege of developing longstanding, trusting relationships with the patients I follow, assisting them in navigating the healthcare system, understanding treatment options and making informed decisions about their needs.”
Rose Allain, BSN, RN, CCM, Emergency Department care facilitator, noted the benefits of maintaining her case manager certification. “Certification as a case manager is immensely important to me as it validates your knowledge, experience and commitment to excellence,” she said.
Advice: Stay motivated and access the resources available to you
Rose Allain
Both Goodwin and Viera encourage any nurse considering certification to learn more about the process and go for it.
“Reflect on why you want to become certified and stay motivated, determined and confident to complete the process,” said Goodwin. “Certification validates a nurse’s competence and commitment to excellence.”
Allain recommends taking a review course. “This will allow you to focus on the materials you really need to study for the exam,” she said.
Viera suggests identifying resources that can support you in studying and preparing for the exam.
“Look for any online programs that might exist that can help you prepare,” he said, noting that nurses can submit for reimbursement on study materials. “Be sure to take practice tests offered by the organization that makes your exam. I had multiple questions on the actual certification exams from these practice questions!”
More information on certification resources for BWH nurses is available on Vitals. (Note: Link is accessible to MGB employees only.)