Why I am a Certified Nurse
Kerry Boysen, B.S.N., R.N., CMSRN, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, has worked for Texas Health for two of her five years as a nurse. She became a Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) in January.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I actually had my epiphany while I was studying psychology as an undergrad in college surrounded by friends who were applying to the nursing program. I realized that nursing perfectly combined my love for biology and my natural drive to care for others that are vulnerable or need help.
What do you enjoy about being a nurse?
I enjoy critically thinking through challenges and building rapport with my patients while helping to meet their various needs.
Why did you decide to get certified?
I feel it is important to be recognized for all the extra hard work we do and to be adequately compensated for it. For example, I created a “Fall-Risk Agreement” tool to assist in initiating the conversation with new patients about their risk for falls and our interventions in place to keep them safe during their stay. It helps keep patients accountable and educated about their risk of falls and hopefully prevent falls from happening by making it a shared goal. They are asked to sign the paper to show their understanding and agreement. This tool was found to be promising, and because of the data we collected on falls before and after its trial, it is now a hospitalwide tool and required by all nurses to have patients sign.
Why do you think it’s important for nurses pursue certifications in their field of specialty?
Ultimately to help keep patients safe and support positive outcomes for all. The medical field changes so fast that if you don’t actively continue education, then your practice can become outdated.
By Brand Experience Communications • Posted June 20, 2019
