AACN Supports Acute Care Nurses

Nationally, almost half a million nurses work in acute care specializations. The Greater Twin Cities Area Chapter of AACN has about 180 members working at 13 different metro area hospitals. The chapter helps members prepare for certifications and helps critical care units meet key criteria. Most important, it provides members with a place to provide information and support

By Laura French, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: June 17, 2009 - 9:16 AM

Although AACN officially stands for American Association of Critical Care Nurses, the organization's scope includes all acute care adult, pediatric and neonatal nursing specialties.

While some chapters are based out of a single hospital, Bond likes the opportunities for learning from people at different organizations. For example, members have been discussing a new care model that lets cardiac surgery patients stay in a single room for their entire hospital stay. Networking within the area chapter provides information on how to make the new model work.

Preparing For Certification

AACN offers certifications in critical and progressive care, cardiac medicine and cardiac surgery, and also certifies nurse practitioners and nursing managers in acute care settings. "Studying for the exam makes you a better nurse, more competent in your own practices," Bond says. In addition, some hospitals provide an annual certification bonus.

The Greater Twin Cities Area Chapter hosts an annual certification education weekend, with a national speaker who helps members prepare for the exam. In addition, members give encouragement and support to nurses who are preparing for the exam.

Another key initiative of the Greater Twin Cities chapter is helping critical care units apply for the Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence. Developed in 2003 by the national AACN, the award is given annually to units that can demonstrate that they meet 42 criteria in six categories, from recruitment and retention to patient outcomes.

"Once a year we have an information session for managers and nurses who are interested in applying for the Beacon Award," Bond says. "We act as a resource, telling them how to get started and how to motivate staff members to meet the criteria. We have a sample timeline for getting materials together."

Ways to Get Involved

The Greater Twin Cities chapter hosts quarterly education meetings that also include a chance to get together for networking. "It can be a stressful occupation," Bond says. "We're involved in a lot of end of life decisions. Especially in intensive care, we support the families as much as the patients, who are sedated and unaware." Chapter members who understand the challenges are an important source of support.

Committees on education, public relations and publications give members a chance for more involvement in the local chapter. Committee heads and officers comprise the chapter's board of directors. "We meet monthly and discuss local issues affecting hospitals and nursing in general. I get a lot out of it," Bond says. She notes that the newer generation of critical care nurses is "very eager to get involved, do things and increase their knowledge."

"The more you give, the more you get out of it," Bond concludes.

For more on AACN, visit its website at www.aacn.org. Go to Membership>Communities to find a list of Minnesota chapters.

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