After five months of being in the classroom and over 60 hours of online study, four SMC nurses recently completed the Essentials of Critical Care Orientation program.
“Getting a certificate in a specialty field is one of the most positive and powerful achievements for a healthcare professional,” said Director of Education Shay DiBartolomeo, MSN, RN. “It demonstrates confidence, credibility and their professional commitment to promoting quality care.”
Clinical Educator Don Trauger, MSN, RN, said it took team work to make this course a success.
“This was not an easy feat with very few resources to accomplish it,” he said. “With the help of many, we completed 64 credit hours, numerous hours planning, preparing presentations and presenting.”
Paul Karagiannes, MD, said it was an honor and privilege to lecture the class throughout the course.
“You are with the patients the most,” he told the students. “You spend more time at their bedsides than any other healthcare provider. You are the eyes and ears of what is happening with the patients. The truth is, I’m only as good as my staff.”
DiBartolomeo said the certification gives the nurses the skills, awareness and self-assurance to provide optimal outcomes for their patients.
“I am very proud of all the graduates,” she said.
For more information about the Critical Care Nursing program, contact the education department at 856-339-6886.
Graduates (left to right): Dennis Ford, Zif Brady, Clinical Educator Don Trauger, and Andrea Pelura (not pictured Theodora Marcantonis)