Naval Hospital Bremerton acknowledged certified nurses for their additional achievements with Certified Nurses Day on March 19, 2018.

Certified Nurses Day is an annual recognition for and by healthcare leaders dedicated to nursing professionalism, excellence and service.

"Please join me, Capt. Zuzelski, our executive officer, Command Master Chief Reynolds and our Naval Hospital Bremerton's Professional Development Committee in celebrating Certified Nurses Day by honoring all board certified nurses for their professional dedication and enhanced patient-centered care capability," said Capt. Jeffrey Bitterman, NHB commanding officer. "They practice in many arenas and are a huge force multiplier not just for NHB but all of Navy Medicine, garrison and forward deployed. Thank you for your excellent service, dedication, and care you provide to our patients! Today we celebrate you."

According to Lt. Cmdr. Heather Myer, nursing board certifications play an increasingly important role in the assurance of high standards of patient care. Naval Hospital Bremerton supports that commitment and encourages national board certification for all its nurses.

"While a registered nurse license provides entry into general nursing practices, the knowledge intensive requirements of modern nursing require extensive education, as well as a strong personal commitment to excellence," explained Myer, Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and event organizer.

There are currently over 70 certified nurses, more than 60 percent, out of approximately 114 military and civilian nurses assigned to Naval Hospital Bremerton including Branch Health Clinic (BHC) Bangor, BHC Everett and BHC Puget Sound Naval Shipyard who hold more than 90 certifications in 33 specialties. NHB's percentage total is more than triple the national average of 20 percent. Additionally there are two staff members with three certifications and 14 with two each.

"Navy Medicine does lead in many ways with health care," said Capt. Johannes Bailey, Directorate of Nursing Services head. "Our certified nurses are one such example. Our certified nurses are completely committed to excellence and to the compassionate, competent care they bring. Thank you for what you do every day."

The board certification focuses on such disciplines as medical-surgical, pediatric, pain management, cardiovascular, oncology, hospice, case management, emergency nursing, and critical care specialties.

What makes this year's date unique to recognize as Certified Nurses Day is it directly honors the enduring legacy of Margretta 'Gretta' Madden Styles, Doctor of Education, Registered Nurse and Fellow of the American Academy Nursing (1903-2005). March 19 is Styles' birthday, and she became known as the 'Mother of Nurse Credentialing' as a visionary scholar who made an endearing, international impact on the nursing profession.


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