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Several employees of Pella Regional Health Center recently gained certifications in their professional areas of interest. Dietician Carla McFarland completed rigorous eligibility requirements to achieve Certified Diabetes Educator status, and nurses Heidi Heikes and Renee Visser each passed their wound care certifications – which includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master’s level courses and the completion of 50 hours of clinical work.

Additional employees who recently gained new certifications include nurse Linda Groenendyk, who is now certified in cardiovascular nursing. To obtain the certification, Groenendyk had to acquire at least two years of experience as a registered nurse, log a minimum of 2,000 hours in the area of cardiovascular nursing, and pass a certification exam, among other qualifications.

Nurse Marty DenHartog earned a certification for maternal newborn nursing practice. The extensive certification exam covers nursing considerations associated with every stage of pregnancy and childbirth. With their achievements, the five joined a growing list of employees at Pella Regional who have gained a prestigious certification.