Abrazo Health hospitals across the Valley are honoring their board-certified nurses during the week of March 14-18, recognizing registered nurses who contribute to improved patient outcomes through national board certification in their specialty.

Certified nurses throughout Abrazo’s network of hospitals are being honored with individual celebrations during the week. Certified Nurses Day is celebrated in the United States on March 19 to publicly acknowledge nurses who earn and maintain the highest credentials in their specialty.

Abrazo Health is one of the largest health systems in Arizona, serving the greater Phoenix area with advanced programs in cardiovascular, neurosciences, orthopedics, spine and sports medicine, trauma and emergency services, surgical robotics, general surgery and maternity care.

Nursing, like health care in general, has become increasingly complex. Board certification of nurses plays an increasingly important role in the assurance of high standards of care for patients and their loved ones.

Professional certification is a voluntary designation that affirms advanced knowledge, skill and practice to meet the challenges of modern nursing, according to the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Abrazo Health encourages national board certification for all its nurses. There are many nursing certification specialties such as critical care, emergency nursing, perianesthesia, medical-surgical, cardiovascular, obstetrics, neurosciences and many others.

The knowledge-intensive requirements of modern nursing require extensive education, as well as a strong personal commitment to excellence by the nurse. A registered nurse license provides entry to general nursing practice. Certification in a nursing specialty demonstrates added professionalism, leadership and commitment to excellence in patient care.

Abrazo hospitals offer career ladder programs for nurses and other employees who want to advance their clinical careers. Hospital leaders value staff input on best practices, safety, quality, patient experience and more through Abrazo’s culture of positivity and inclusion.

The past two years of the pandemic have been extremely challenging for everyone in the health care professions. We are growing as a health system, investing in our future. Thanks to our dedicated health care professionals, we are optimistic about our ability to move forward and provide high quality services to the communities we serve.

Susan Rainey, MSN, RN, is chief nursing executive for Abrazo Health.