Certified Nurses Day occurs every March 19, celebrating the birthday of Dr. Margretta “Gretta” Madden Styles, RN, EdD, FAAN, a visionary nursing leader and scholar.

Florence Nightingale once said, “Let us consider that we are never done as nurses…we must be learning all of our lives.” Like Florence, HCA Healthcare and HealthTrust Workforce Solutions recognize the unique and intrinsic worth of each individual by supporting lifelong learners. On National Certified Nurses Day, we celebrate HCA Healthcare nursing colleagues who have demonstrated advanced skill, knowledge and practice by earning a professional certification in complex nursing care specialties.

“The value of a specialty nursing certification is becoming more important as healthcare becomes increasingly complex and challenging,” said Steve Tarkington, vice president, HCA Healthcare Center for Clinical Advancement.

As a part of our organization’s robust clinical education offerings and support, HCA Healthcare provides qualifying nurses who wish to pursue a specialty certification the opportunity to take advantage of discounted rates, a voucher program and reimbursement upon successfully completing the certification exam.

In 2020, more than 3,753 HCA Healthcare-affiliated registered nurses expanded their professional expertise and advanced their professional skills through the voucher program to earn certification in specialty areas, including:

• Emergency Services (BCEN)
• Critical Care (AACN)
• Surgical Services (CCI)
• Medical-Surgical (ANCC)
• Medical-Surgical (ONCB)

According to the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, the benefits of obtaining a nursing certification include:

• demonstration that the nurse cares enough to be tested against rigorous standards, confirming their knowledge and skills in a specialty area;
• creating an environment of professionalism, contributing to staff retention and patient safety;
• serving as a role model for professional development, lifelong learning and dedication to excellence in patient care, and
• a sense of pride, fulfillment and empowerment, as well as career advancement. (Research shows nurse leaders prefer hiring a nurse who is certified.)

Thank you to certified nurses across HCA Healthcare and HealthTrust Workforce Solutions for your extraordinary contributions to patient care and your commitment to advancing the nursing practice. Meet a few lifelong learners below…