For nearly 30 years, Angela McClendon, BSN, RN, CPAN, CNIV, has been caring for patients and her fellow nurses in the Post-Anethesia Care Unit (PACU) at Duke Raleigh Hospital.
She’s been certified in her specialty for 27 years and a certification coach for 26 years. She’s a compassionate caregiver and a motivating advocate for her fellow nurses pursuing their certifications.
“Getting certified in my specialty made me more knowledgeable and helps me provide the best care to my patients,” she said. “I’ve been able to help my colleagues gain that same confidence in the care we’re delivering together by being a certification coach.”
She arranges certification review courses, helps nurses find the right review books, and assists throughout the studying period to ensure everyone is prepared for their exam. Currently, more than half of the nurses in her unit have certifications.
“It’s important for me to be an advocate for others getting their certifications because it’s really an enlightening experience,” she said. “And, nurses now have the added perk of getting a certification or recertifications bonus, which wasn’t around when I first received my certification.”
For McClendon, certification is also an important part of being a Magnet-designated hospital.
“As a Magnet hospital, it’s important to live up to Magnet standards and encourage as many nurses as we can to get their certifications. I’m proud to support my team, and proud that Duke Nursing supports them, too.”
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