HCTC nursing faculty receives natl certification

As students return to HCTC nursing classes, they will be greeted by a professor who has received further certification. HCTC Associate Professor of Nursing Janie Richie has received the Certified Nursing Educator certification from the National League of Nursing.

Mrs. Richie met eligibility requirements in the areas of licensure, educational preparation and experience. The certification is good for five years then she must prove continued maintenance or expansion of knowledge relevant to the role of academic nurse educator for recertification.

I feel strongly about program accreditation and believe as strongly in lifelong learning. The decision to apply for this certification was internally driven with an emphasis on becoming the best I can be as a professional educator in the field of nursing. I love nursing and I love educating learners about it as well, Richie said. She has practiced nursing for 28 years and has been a nurse educator for seven years.

Dr. Kris Williams, HCTC Interim President, commended Mrs. Richie. Our faculty work hard to improve their skills and the students gain from this kind of professional development. Mrs. Richie has gone above and beyond in obtaining this high level of certification, Dr. Williams said.

According to the National League of Nursing, Certification in any field is a mark of professionalism. For academic nurse educators, it establishes nursing education as a specialty area of practice and creates a means for faculty to demonstrate their expertise in this role. It communicates to students, peers, and the academic and health care communities that the highest standards of excellence are being met. Mrs. Richie received the certification on July 29.

Anna Napier, Dean for Allied Health programs stated, Janie is an excellent role model for students in exemplifying that you do not have to stop learning with a diploma or associate degree but you can keep obtaining higher credentials in your chosen field for personal expertise and advancements as well as student and community advancement. I am very proud of Janie, Mrs. Napier said.

Ms. Richie received her Post Masters Certification from Eastern Kentucky University in 2008; master s degree in 1999 and bachelor s degree in 1998 from University of Kentucky. She received her Associate Degree Nursing from Hazard Community College in 1985; and Practical Nursing Diploma from Hazard Vocational Technical School in 1982.