Donation to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses will help 80 nurses pursue certification.
Two professional baseball-affiliated healthcare groups hit the ball out of the park with donations to provide scholarships to more than 80 nurses ready to pursue CCRN or PCCN specialty certification.
The donations to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) allows the AACN for the first time to provide professional development scholarships to support its nursing certification programs, according to a press release.
Initial funding for the scholarships was contributed by the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) in recognition of nurses’ dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Major League Baseball (MLB) Team Physicians Association (MLBTPA) matched the donation, doubling its impact.
"Nurses have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are inspired by their dedication and resilience," said Ron Porterfield, director of player health with the Los Angeles Dodgers and president of PBATS, which represents athletic trainers at all 30 MLB clubs and their Minor League affiliates. "We wanted to recognize their hard work while helping them advance professionally at the same time.”
Sports medicine surgeon Steve Cohen, head team physician for the Philadelphia Phillies and a member of the MLBTPA executive committee, concurred.
"Throughout the pandemic, our nurse colleagues have continually demonstrated their commitment to patients and their communities, risking their own well-being to save others," Cohen said. "This donation is a reflection of our respect and our gratitude for their vital role as key members of the healthcare team."
Specialty certifications reaffirm nurses’ commitment to excellence and demonstrates to patients, employers, and the public that a nurse’s knowledge reflects national standards and a strong personal dedication to patient safety.
"Interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork have been a hallmark of care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this recognition underscores the value of those relationships," said AACN president Beth Wathen. "These scholarships will help dozens of critical and progressive care nurses earn their specialty nursing certification, which will have a lasting impact for the recipients, their colleagues, and their patients."
Each scholarship will cover a one-time certification exam registration fee, as well as access to one of AACN’s online certification review courses.
AACN members who are first-time CCRN or PCCN certification candidates can apply online for the scholarships through October 18, 2021. Recipients will be notified in December 2021 and must register for and schedule their exam within six months of notification.
Carol Davis is the Nursing Editor at HealthLeaders, an HCPro brand.