WellStar Paulding Hospital’s Surgical Services Department Receives National Recognition for Its Support of Perioperative Nursing Certification

Hiram, GA – WellStar Paulding Hospital is pleased to announce it has recently earned the CNOR® Strong designation from the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI). The CNOR Strong designation is given to facilities having at least 50% of its OR nursing staff CNOR certified, and provides programs that reward and recognize its certified nurses. WellStar Paulding has exceeded the requirement to reach an 80% certification rate.
The CNOR® certification program is for perioperative nurses interested in improving and validating their knowledge and skills and providing the highest quality care to their patients. Certification also recognizes a nurse’s commitment to professional development. It is an objective, measurable way of acknowledging the achievement of specialty expertise beyond basic nursing preparation and RN licensure.
Research shows that nurses who earn the CNOR credential have greater confidence in their clinical practice. Thus, a team of certified nurses who have mastered the standards of perioperative practice provides even more empowerment, further advancing a culture of professionalism and promoting improved patient outcomes. This strength in numbers is why CCI launched the CNOR Strong program; to recognize those facilities committed to making a difference for its patients both inside and outside of the OR.
Patient safety and positive surgical outcomes are of the utmost importance to a facility and supporting nurses as they exceed expectations to achieve their perioperative nursing certification shows WellStar Paulding Hospital’s commitment to its core values.Lydia Casteel, Director of Nursing, Surgical Services states, we are so proud of our team’s accomplishment which embodies WellStar’s vision of providing world-class healthcare. Our neighbors caring for neighbors culture at WellStar Paulding Hospital is evident in everything we do. Each team member is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of patients and the community we serve. Our compassionate, professional team of nurses and surgical techs work together alongside our accomplished surgeons to provide safe, quality surgical care.

Back Row, Left to Right: Cindy Huff, Tammy Neese, Ann Dellinger, 2nd Row: Lydia Casteel, Sandy Bobb, Andrea Joseph, Tonya Smith Bottom Row: Jenn Parker, Shannon Turner, Kathleen Stone