Geraldine Bourne of St. Charles Parish Hospital in Luling recently received national recognition for reaching a significant milestone in the nursing profession. Since 1982 she has consistently maintained Critical Care Registered Nurse, or CCRN certification offered through American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, or AACN Certification Corporation. Bourne is one of 436 CCRNs being honored this year by the corporation and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses for 30 years of continuous certification.

CCRN certification is one of the most advanced professional credentials that can be achieved by a nurse in the field of acute and critical care. As a result, the CCRN designation is highly regarded as recognition of advanced knowledge and clinical expertise in the care of acutely and critically ill patients and their families. There are currently more than 60,000 CCRN-certified nurses practicing worldwide who specialize in the care of adult, pediatric and/or neonatal patient populations.

The importance of clinical certification to the health and well-being of patients in the U.S. has been well documented. Research studies have specifically linked CCRN certification to higher levels of job satisfaction, clinical knowledge, experience and skill. These studies have found that CCRN certified nurses are particularly motivated to maintain clinical excellence even in rapidly changing acute and critical care environments. Further, the studies found the achievement of certification serves as a tangible demonstration of commitment on the part of the individual to patients, families, employers and colleagues alike.

Hospitals that encourage and support their nurses in becoming certified demonstrate to their patients a high level of commitment to creating an exceptional care environment and, to their nurses, a culture of professionalism and retention imperative in today’s healthcare environment.

AACN Certification Corporation, the credentialing arm of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, maintains professional practice excellence through certification and certification renewal of nurses who care for acutely and critically ill patients and their families. AACN Certification Corporation develops and administers the CCRN, PCCN, CCRN-E, CCNS and ACNPC specialty exams in acute, progressive and critical care; CMC and CSC subspecialty exams in cardiac medicine and surgery; and, in partnership with the American Organization of Nurse Executives, the CNML exam for nurse managers.