We asked, you answered! Hear from MSNCB Certificants on their reasons for obtaining the Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) credential.
"CMSRN because I love my patients and I wanted to provide care in the best way that I can."
-Annelyn Lopo, BSN, CMSRN
"Passionate to deliver highest quality of post operative care to the patients I care for and also to mitigate potential complications. Educate patients to prevent complications and motivate patients to achieve optimal independence."
-Maria Cancel, BSN, RN, CMSRN
"It validated my expertise and gave me greater credibility as an advanced practice nurse"
-Vivian Ochiagha, CMSRN, MSN
"My hospital offered the classes and refunded me once I passed. They give you a card every year and this year we got a t-shirt."
- Christina Brown, RN, CMSRN
"Certification not only validates my expertise in medical-surgical nursing but also enhances my credibility among colleagues, patients and employers. Achieving certifications like CMSRN is essential for healthcare organizations striving to attain and uphold Magnet accreditation. This certification aligns closely with the Magnet Recognition Program's principles of nursing excellence, patient-centered care and continual quality improvement. It serves as a crucial indicator of an organization's dedication to maintaining high standards and demonstrates that nurses have met rigorous criteria in their specialty, such as medical-surgical nursing. This validation assures employers, colleagues and patients that nurses are armed with the necessary skills and expertise to deliver quality and humane care."
-Jay U. Ocate, MSN, RN, CMSRN
"Medical-surgical nurses often get overlooked when compared to popular specialities such as ICU, PCU or ER. Many nurses as a whole do not know that medical-surgical is a specialty on its own. I decided to obtain my CMSRN, as it promotes continuing education and specialized training for my specialty. Earning my certification helps my employer in their effort to maintain Magnet Status and maintain quality care for patients. I recommend nurses who work in the medical-surgical field to obtain their certification and continue learning skills and new information for our specialty."
-Aimee Johnson, BSN, RN, CMSRN
"I wanted to show other newer nurses on the unit that it was attainable and shows dedication to our careers as medical-surgical nurses. It was also to allow me to be an expert in my chosen specialty."
-Patricia B. Treasure, CMSRN
"I got my CMSRN because when I switched my education focus to med-surg nursing, I felt I needed to be an example to the other nurses I work with. It shows extra dedication to the art of MS nursing."
-M. Colleen Sembar, BSN, MSM, RN, CCRN, CMSRN, ANPD-BC
"To keep my patients safe."
-Carrie Williams, CMSRN
"My CMSRN certification shows my students and my colleagues that I believe in lifelong learning and professional development. It promotes me as an expert in my field."
-Melody Gartrell, MSN, RN, CMSRN
"What motivated me during preparation for the CMSRN certification exam was a love for life-long learning and how I planned to utilize the certification moving forward. To me, becoming CMSRN certified was about becoming a better educator and leader to others – including patients, families, colleagues and within the nursing community. After conquering the CMSRN exam in May 2023, I joined the Unit-Based Committee on my inpatient unit (adult general medicine) to contribute more to unit-level quality improvement, staff education, safety interventions and teamwork dynamics. In June 2023, I also became a unit Sepsis Champion, which is an area that I'm passionate about. Alongside the adult inpatient Sepsis Coordinator, my colleague and I helped pioneer an inpatient RN Sepsis Champion Program. Sepsis is a leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals and early identification and treatment are critical to improving outcomes.
As Sepsis Champions, my colleague and I have provided nursing staff education through a multi-modal approach and using multiple strategies. Unit Sepsis Champions also serve as an in-person resource on the unit, to support nursing staff with sepsis care questions, concerns, interventions, and provider communication. For continuing education, the adult inpatient Sepsis Coordinator includes resources during our monthly sepsis champion meetings and I’ve also been active with the Sepsis Alliance organization. Additionally, I am a member of AMSN, which offers a diverse array of educational opportunities for continuing education, which I’ve found very valuable throughout my nursing career. Furthermore, I look forward to attending the 2024 AMSN Annual Conference, as a first-time attendee."
-Rebekah Urboyna, BSN, RN, CMSRN
"Earning the Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) certification has been a game-changer for my nursing career. As a clinical nurse in an adult general medicine stepdown unit, I've encountered clients with complex conditions that require deep knowledge of medical-surgical nursing.
Getting my CMSRN certification has helped me stand out as an expert in this field, showcasing my commitment to excellence. It has kept me updated with the latest practices and advancements, enabling me to provide top-notch patient care. This certification has opened doors to new opportunities, promotions, and leadership roles.
In addition to my primary role, CMSRN certification has significantly enhanced my capabilities as a Geriatric Resource Nurse Champion, allowing me to provide specialized care to older adults. As an adjunct professor at a School of Nursing, it has equipped me with the knowledge and credibility to educate future nurses effectively. Furthermore, it has supported my work as a nurse researcher, where advanced skills and evidence-based practices are crucial.
My advanced skills have led to better patient outcomes, giving me a sense of pride and confidence, knowing I've met a high standard of excellence. In short, CMSRN certification has boosted my career, improved my patient care, and brought me personal fulfillment.
Be certified today!"
-Blaise Nieve, PhD, RN, CMSRN, NEA-BC