News
Beebe Medical Center Nurse Earns Oncology Certification
08/02/07
Kari Souder, RN, OCN, a registered nurse in the Beebe Medical Center's Tunnell Cancer Center, recently earned her Oncology Nursing Certification. Mrs. Souder has worked at Tunnell Cancer Center for five years and is a graduate of the Beebe School of Nursing. Mrs. Souder was the first new graduate to be hired at The Tunnell Cancer Center directly after graduation from nursing school. "She has done such an excellent job that we have continued to hire new graduates," says Tunnell Cancer Center Nurse Manager and Research Coordinator Isabel Benson, RN, BSN, OCN.
Mrs. Souder said she first became interested in cancer care because of her grandmother, Doris Hatfield, who was one of the original oncology nurses at Beebe Medical Center before The Tunnell Cancer Center was opened in 1995. Mrs. Souder also will be sharing a research nurse role at Tunnell Cancer Center with Donna Miskin, RN, OCN, Performance Improvement Coordinator.
A percentage of nurses at the Tunnell Cancer Center must achieve and maintain certification through The Oncology Nursing Society in order for it to maintain its current comprehensive ranking through The American College of Surgeons. Nine of the Center's 19 nurses hold this specialized and additional certification and several more are preparing to take the exam in 2007.
"Certification demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of oncology, which enhances the quality of care we can provide to our patients," said Cherrie Rich, Director of Oncology Services for Beebe Medical Center. "Our goal is to see all of our nurses attain OCN certification, and we are very proud of those who are taking on the rigorous training to earn this certification."
Tunnell Cancer Center was established in 1995. It has received the Commission on Cancer's highest accreditation with commendation as a comprehensive community cancer center. Its clinical specialties are Medical oncology/hematology and radiation oncology. Nearly 200 patients visit the center each day.
Beebe Medical Center is a not-for-profit community medical center with a mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health with the people residing, working, or visiting in the communities we serve. For more information, please visit us online at www.beebemed.org
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