Editor, The Herald:

We invite our community to join us in honoring our 450 board certified Centra nurses in Lynchburg and Farmville on Certified Nurses Day, March 19, for their professionalism, leadership and commitment to excellence in patient care.

Across the country, board certification of nurses is playing an increasingly important role in ensuring high standards of care for patients and their loved ones. We are delighted that 24 percent of Centra's practicing registered nurses who work in the hospitals are certified in their nursing specialty. As nurses become more specialized, they contribute to inspiring patient care and outcomes.

Certification is available in more than 85 nursing specialties including practice areas such as medical surgical, pediatric, cardio/vascular, oncology, hospice, case management, emergency nursing, perioperative, wound care, obstetrical, newborn, neonatal, critical care and nursing leadership.

We know this higher level of specialization is a major contributor to Centra's national awards for patient safety, quality of care, Magnet designation for excellence in nursing and the Forbes award as one of the Safest Hospitals in America.

It is our pleasure to honor our board certified and professional nurses who provide nationally recognized patient care for you and your family in our community.

Patti S. McCue, Sc.D., RN, MSN, NEA-BC

Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer

Centra

Carolyn Jacques, M.Ed., BS, RNC

Vice President Nursing & Customer Service

Centra

Claudia Meinhard, RN, BSN, MHA

Chief Nursing Officer

Centra Southside Community Hospital