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Nurses who pursue their certification as part of their professional development provide better patient care. That’s the premise behind Certified Nurses Day – an international day that honors nurses who strive for excellence.

At NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital, 112 nurses were honored for receiving professional certification in their specialty practice areas during an afternoon ceremony at the Hospital on March 15. The day - which is officially on March 19 - is promoted by more than 70 nursing organizations worldwide to reward certified nurses and encourage more to seek advanced certifications.

"I’d like to commend all of you for your dedication to nursing and your resolve to continue pursing your professional development," said John C. Federspiel, President of NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital. "NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital is committed to providing resources to ensure that our nurses can seek and maintain specialty certifications. This assures the public that our nurses have the knowledge, skills, and experience to effectively and safely deliver quality care."

NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital is the only hospital in the region to receive the coveted Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. It is the gold standard in nursing care. In fact, only 7 percent of hospitals nationwide have the Magnet designation.

Currently, 112 nurses out of total 314 at NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital are certified. Board certification recognizes nurses who have met the educational preparation required for the role, the specialty practice requirement necessary, and who have passed the board certification exam.

Kathy Webster, Vice President of Patient Services at HVHC, said that the Hospital also encourages its nurses to seek professional growth with a generous tuition reimbursement program. She said the number of nurses with advanced degrees at HVHC is among the highest in the nation.

"I applaud your commitment to your profession, yourselves, your patients, and to each other," Webster told nurses. "Your hard work and commitment shows in the care you give to your patients."