In recognition of Certified Nurses Day, March 19, River Parishes Hospitals’ certified nurses were recognized and honored at a banquet held at Rock N Bowl in New Orleans. The nurses who were honored include: Michele Pomes, Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management, Risk Manager; Kathy Bruce, Certified Medical Surgical Registered Nurse, Emergency Room Director; Lori Noel, Certified Nurse in the Operating Room, Surgical Services Registered Nurse; Beth Freitas, Certified Nurse in the Operating Room, Surgical Services Registered Nurse; Michelle Zaidain, Certified Nurse in the Operating Room, Surgical Services Registered Nurse; Judy Bauer, Certified Nurse in the Operating Room, Surgical Services Director; Tiffanie Bourgeois, Certified Nurse in the Operating Room, Surgical Services Registered Nurse; Kay Keller, Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse, Pre-Admit Nurse; Anne Colwart, Certified Advance Practice Registered Nurse, Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner at the Destrehan Family Health Center; and Jennifer Frickey, Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse, Certified Medical Surgical Registered Nurse, Director of Case Management.

River Parishes Hospital was also recently awarded the CNOR Strong designation by the Competency & Credentialing Institute. The CNOR Strong designation is given to facilities that have at least 50% of its Operating Room nursing staff CNOR certified. The CNOR certification validates a nurse’s professional skills and knowledge beyond basic nursing preparation.

“Certification benefits patients and their families, validating that the nurse caring for them has demonstrated experience, knowledge and skills,” said Vanessa Peters, Chief Nursing Officer at River Parishes Hospital.