Capt. Jennifer Stringer is a registered nurse who serves in the Madigan Healthcare System.

Earning her certification - and having it presented to her on Certified Nurses Day - made her smile broadly.

"It represents the extra work you put into your specific nursing field," the psychiatric/mental health nurse said moments after receiving her certificate.  

Nursing certification is the formal recognition of the specialized knowledge, skills and experience involved in promoting optimal health outcomes.

While becoming a registered nurse provides the legal authority for an individual to practice professional nursing, certification is obtained through individual specialty nursing certifying organizations that reflects achievement beyond licensure for specialized nursing practice.

While improving the quality and safety of patient service, certification provides nurses with a means to validate their expertise in a multitude of specialties, including but not limited to pediatrics, geriatrics, gastroenterology, surgical services, orthopedics, oncology, palliative care, emergency nursing, mental health, critical care nursing and cardiovascular care.

Certification is a mark of excellence; it requires continued learning and skill development to maintain with an emphasis on professionalism, excellence and service.

"It's not a requirement to earn this," said Stringer, "but it is sure good to have," added Stringer.

She and approximately 150 other nurses who work in the Madigan Healthcare System received their certificates as part of a celebration of Certified Nurses Day.

Begun in 2008 as a way to celebrate the contribution of board certified nurses to the advancement of nursing professionalism, the day honors nursed worldwide.

Usually celebrated on March 19, Madigan Healthcare System honored its more than 300 military and over 1,100 civilian nurses last Tuesday morning in the Letterman Auditorium.

"It's a great event," commented 1st Lt. Mary Sunshine Santos, a critical care nurse.

"We started at 6:30 this morning in order to honor the nurses who work at night, and we'll continue until 8 a.m. to make sure we also honor the nurses who work on day shift."

Not only did those who had earned their certificate receive it, but they were also treated to a nice buffet of food.

But most important, the event was about honoring their efforts in providing the best in patient care.

"It's great to specialize in something you love," commented Laura Jeffers, a civilian nurse. "It's all about helping others."