By Ida Brown / ibrown@themeridianstar.com
The Meridian Star
MERIDIAN —
The completion of several educational initiatives by employees of Regency Hospital of Meridian culminated with a special celebration Thursday.
Ten employees were recognized for participating in and successfully completing the Regency corporate-driven initiatives Partners in Practice and Patient Care Technician (PCT), both taught by Regency's clinical education specialist Cindy Anderson, MSN, RN-BC, PCCN, CCRN:
• Partners in Practice – A 3-module educational series available to registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and respiratory technicians. Once a registered nurse completes the module, they may also test for one of three national certifications: medical-surgical, progressive care and critical care. Each of the three certifications are intense and require hours of study and training.
• Patient Care Technician (PCT) – A series of classes available to qualified and charge nurse recommended, certified nursing assistants (CNA). Once the class is completed, the CNA is certified on the clinical skills taught and is then classified as a PCT and can assume the extra duties of the position.
"The corporate office developed these programs to enhance the knowledge and the skills of our staff ... Because ultimately, it affects patient outcome in quality care," said Pam Nix, Regency's director of clinical service.
"It gives the staff opportunity for achievement, and the patient benefits," Nix said.
The initiative's four educational areas are: Critical Care Certification (CCRN), Progressive Care Certification (PCCN), Medical Surgical Certification (BC), and Patient Care Technician (PCT).
Employees recognized were:
• Medical Surgical – Dona Mathis, RN; Kamesha McCarty, RN; Rosaline Ratcliff, RN, MSN; Rhonda Summers, RN, BSN; and Marie Williams, RN
• CCRN – Rick Beasley, RN; and Phillip Moore, RN, BSN
• PCT – Teneka House, CNA; Marilyn Small, CNA; and Berda Williams, CAN.
"Raising the Bar of Excellence in Meridian" was chosen as the theme for this year's employee recognition, the premiere of an annual event.
"And that is exactly what we are doing," said Nix, referring to the theme. "These initiatives demonstrate our staff's commitment to providing the highest quality patient care."
Meridian Mayor Cheri Barry attended the event and presented a special proclamation recognizing the achievements of the honorees.
In addition to recognizing staff members who completed the initiatives, Regency Hospital of Meridian's Employee of the Year was announced.
Alicia Dubose, RN, BSN, received the honor presented to the staff member who best exemplifies Region's mission and vision. Employee of the Year is chosen by fellow employees from a list of Employee of the Month winners of the past year.
