VP Of Nursing Credits Continuing Education To More Leadership Roles For Philadelphia Nurses
There are many continuing education courses you can take to advance in the health care industry. Regina Gentlesk Green, vice president of Nursing at Bancroft, shares her educational journey and what it takes to advance in the industry.
Can you describe your duties as a health care admin?
"I am responsible for the provision of nursing services to adults and children with a number of challenges including autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities and acquired brain injury."
Where did you get your degree?
"I started my nursing education back at Georgetown University in 1989, then went on to receive my Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) at Thomas Jefferson University. I then graduated from University of Pennsylvania's Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist Program (PMHCNS), receiving my Master's of Science in Nursing, and went on to receive my advanced practice nurse license and became board certified as a clinical nurse specialist in the area of psych-mental health."
How has education prepared you for your career?
"Graduate courses on leadership, organizational and program development and systems theory have provided a foundation by which to understand the role of nurses beyond direct care. My training has increased my awareness of emerging trends in the field which suggest that there will be more opportunities for advanced practice nurses to take leadership roles. My education has allowed me to expand my role in nursing."
What continuing education is required for your role?
"I am required to complete 60 hours of Continuing Education credits (25 of those CEs need to be in Pharmacology) during the two-year renewal period for my RN (registered nurse)/APN (advanced practice nurse) licensure in New Jersey. In addition, in order to be considered an advanced practice nurse in New Jersey, I need to maintain my certification. I am required to renew my ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) certification every five years (which also includes CE requirements- e.g.: 75 contact hours for CEs, and the other half can be additional CEs and/or include other areas such as presentations, practice hours, etc.)."
Christina Thompson is a freelance travel writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.