LeConte Medical Center Celebrates Certified Nurses Day

LeConte Medical Center observed Certified Nurses Day, Tuesday, March 22, 2016 by honoring 11 board-certified nurses who work at the hospital with a special luncheon.

Board certification of nurses plays an important role in assuring high standards of patient care. “Nursing, like health care in general, has become increasingly complex,” said Janice McKinley, senior vice president and chief nursing officer for Covenant Health, parent company of LeConte Medical Center. “Board certification means that a nurse has successfully completed extensive specialized education and has made a strong personal and professional commitment to excellence. These are the expert nurses who work throughout our health system.”

LeConte’s Certified Nurses were honored at a special luncheon. Pictured from left to right: Kim Wampler, RN (Lactation Counselor); Callie West, RN (Neuroscience Nursing); Kathy Alban, RN (Perioperative Nursing); Cassie Smith, RN (Perioperative Nursing); Ethelene Morgan, RN (Medical-Surgical Nursing); and Tonya Lee, RN (Lactation Counselor). Not pictured: Martin Bundy, RN; Kelly Craft, RN; Dana McIlwain, RN; Kaleb Smith, RN; and Paul Waite, RN.

There are many nursing certifications in specialties such as medical-surgical, cardiac/vascular, oncology, hospice, emergency care, critical care, obstetrical care, stroke care, and rehabilitation.

“The number of certified nurses throughout the Covenant Health system continues to grow,” said McKinley, “and their dedication to continued education is reflected in the strength of our workforce and highly skilled level of care we provide to our patients every day. We celebrate this event which allows us to acknowledge our nurses’ professional development.”