Nurses with certification hold a compass, guiding them toward phenomenal patient care procedure and nationally accepted standards. Nurses who prioritize certification and the facilities that support them demonstrate a shared commitment to elevate patient outcomes through expertise and the continuous pursuit of knowledge.
Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) developed the TrueNorth Award in 2013 to recognize facilities that use certification as a “true north” to guide their perioperative nurses to be lifelong learners, models of competent practice, and advocates for excellence and patient safety. To be considered for this high award of merit, facilities must apply and provide detailed information on how their organization recognizes and rewards certified nurses. Facilities are also required to demonstrate the impact certification had on both patients and staff and must include letters of endorsement to support the efforts of their facility.
We are excited to announce the winner of the 2024 TrueNorth Award— Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Camp Pendleton!
CCI is grateful to have had the opportunity to be present at NMRTC Camp Pendleton's award ceremony and honor the team with this tremendous achievement! We also had the pleasure of interviewing NMRTC Camp Pendleton and learning more about their initiatives and aspirations! Responses are provided courtesy of Kara Ballas, LCDR USN, Sandy Choi, LT, NC, USN, and NMRTC Camp Pendleton's Public Affairs Office.
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Photo Credits: Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command Camp Pendleton
What does certification represent at your facility and to your staff?
Certification signifies a commitment to patient-centered care and excellence in healthcare delivery. It serves as a benchmark for quality and safety standards within the hospital, showcasing a dedication to continuous improvement and best practices in patient care.
How do you inspire and motivate your perioperative nursing staff to pursue certification and continuously strive for excellence?
[We] Communicate with the staff the importance of certification and professional development regularly, highlighting how it contributes to improved patient care, career advancement, and personal fulfillment. Leadership also offers individualized development plans that align with each nurse’s career aspirations and personal goals. This personalized approach demonstrates their professional growth and encourages them to take ownership of their career advancement.
How does your facility recognize and celebrate nurses who achieve and maintain their certifications?
We publicly acknowledge and appreciate nurses who achieve certifications through announcements, newsletters and staff meetings. This recognition highlights their dedication to professional growth and commitment to delivering high-quality care. We host celebration events or ceremonies to honor nurses who have attained and maintained certifications. Certified nurses may be given leadership opportunities as a recognition of their expertise and commitment to excellence.
What specific initiatives or strategies did you implement that you believe contributed to your facility's success in achieving an impressive certification rate of 100%?
We prioritize ongoing education and training for our nursing staff, providing opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement relevant to their specialty areas. The US Navy also provides financial assistance to help cover the cost associated with certification exams and renewal fees. They also recognize and reward nurses who achieve certification with incentive bonuses.
Lifelong learning is a key aspect of the TrueNorth Award. How do you ensure that you and your team stay current with advancements in perioperative nursing?
Staying current with advancements in perioperative nursing is essential for maintaining high standards of patient care. We foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing among our perioperative nursing staff. We encourage participation in professional associations and committees dedicated to perioperative nursing. Membership organizations such as the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) provide access to educational resources, networking opportunities and updates on industry standards and guidelines. In addition, continuous quality improvement initiatives help us meet and exceed perioperative nursing standards and maintain our commitment to excellence.
Looking ahead, how do you plan to sustain certification and lifelong learning at your facility?
We will continue to obtain resources to support nurses in their certification and lifelong learning journeys. This includes access to updated study materials, review courses, and online learning platforms to help nurses stay current with advancements in their specialty areas. Pairing experienced certified nurses with those pursuing certification can provide valuable guidance and encouragement throughout the process. We will prioritize leadership development opportunities for certified nurses, empowering them to take on leadership roles within their units or departments. This not only recognizes their expertise, but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and mentorship.
What advice would you give to other facilities aiming to achieve the TrueNorth Award or increase the certification rate of their staff?
I would have other facilities ensure that there is strong leadership support and commitment to certification and lifelong initiatives. Also, provide resources for education, training and support programs that facilitate certification preparation and ongoing professional development. Provide access to study materials, review courses, and mentorship opportunities to help staff succeed in their certification endeavors. Additionally, encourage staff to pursue advanced certifications, attend conferences, and stay up to date on industry advancements to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Photo Credits: Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command Camp Pendleton
By consistently supporting, recognizing, and encouraging their staff, NMRTC Camp Pendleton has set a shining example for the TrueNorth Award. Their leadership has paved the way for other facilities to see the importance of certification. This dedication to fostering a culture of lifelong learning empowers their staff to become models of competent practice and strong advocates for patient safety.
Congratulations to Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Camp Pendleton for going above and beyond for their nurses, patients, and community!
If you and your facility are interested in being considered for the 2025 TrueNorth Award, CCI welcomes you to apply once the application window is open. In the meantime, to stay in the know, fill out our interest form to receive an email when it is time to apply!
