BCHS nurses earn special credentials

Yvonne M. Pierce and Linda A. Cumback, both nurses on the robotic team in the surgery department at Battle Creek Health System, have earned the certified registered nurse first assistant (CRNFA) credential.

Certification recognizes the professional achievements demonstrated when an individual nurse's knowledge in the first assistant role exceeds that which is necessary for competency in practice. As of January 2008, the total number of CRNFA designations was only 1,500.

BCHS has a new surgery department with seven state-of-the-art surgical suites, pre-op rooms, a spacious family lounge located at the 'door' of the OR, and a new sterile processing department.

It also offers one of the newest robotic technologies that allow a surgeon's hand movements to be translated into precise movements of micro-instruments in and near the surgery site through tiny surgery openings. Because the surgery is performed using very small instruments placed through tiny incisions in the body, the patient experiences less pain and blood loss, usually has a shorter hospital, and most importantly is able to return to normal activities more quickly.

Even though it is referred to as a 'robotic' surgery, the system cannot be programmed nor can it make decisions or incisions on its own. It requires that the highly trained and skilled surgeon perform every surgical maneuver.

BCHS is a leader in offering less invasive robotic surgeries options in treatments for gynecologic, thoracic, and urology conditions.

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission. Battle Creek Health System, a member of the Mercy Cancer Network, is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five Star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.

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