Several Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital employees have received certifications or designations in the past year. These achievements allow staff members to better serve the hospital’s patients and the community.

 

Erica Aleesa Garrett, LPN

Erica Aleesa Garrett, Med Surg/3North, received her certification Oct. 29, 2008. She earned her practical nursing license after 13 months while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the medical/surgical unit.

Garrett attended Northeast Technology Center for 13 months. It was a self-paced, self-taught program. She practiced in clinical areas under the supervision of instructors after testing on certain skills. After finishing all course work and tests, and practicing skills in the clinical areas (hospitals, doctors’ offices and nursing homes) Garrett took the NCLEX and passed the exam on her first attempt.

“After attaining my Arkansas nursing license, I went from being a CNA to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN),” Garrett said. “I have gained more responsibilities and can use the skills and knowledge I’ve learned from nursing school. I am able to help out more as a nurse . . . not only can I help with baths, vital signs and assisting patients with activities of daily living, I can also help with the nursing responsibilities (assessing patients’ needs, passing out medications, performing IV sticks, hanging IV fluids, etc.). I love my chosen profession, have had a lot of support from the other nurses on Med Surg, and have heard many nurses tell me what a great job I have been doing. I work with a lot of great people!”

Garrett currently is attending the University of Arkansas and hopes to be a Registered Nurse in the next two years, which would give her even more responsibilities. “I can’t wait!” she said.

 

Janette Clark, Phlebotomy Technician

Janette Clark, SSMH Laboratory, received her Phlebotomy Technician (ASCP) certified designation in May 2008 after working for three years on the certification.

Clark received training through Petra Allied Health of Springdale.

“I feel like it lets the public and my fellow employees know that I am well qualified to perform the duties of being a certified phlebotomist,” she said.

 

Chia Xiong, Phlebotomy Technician

Chia Xiong, SSMH Laboratory, received her Phlebotomy Technician (ASCP) certified designation in August 2008.

Xiong went to school at Globe College in Oakdale, Minn., for one-and-a-half years to be a medical assistant. She then went to work at Maryland Clinic’s lab for three years and moved to Arkansas. She has been working toward this designation for a year, Xiong said.

Xiong said the designation lets her co-workers and patients know she is qualified for the job.

 

Other staff members who recently passed boards, received a certification or designation include:

Tracy Thomas, Medical/Surgical Unit, passed her Registered Nurse board exams in October.

Krista Pritchett, Obstetrics Unit, passed her Registered Nurse board exams.

Lacy Rivas, Medical/Surgical Unit, passed her Licensed Practical Nurse state board exams in November.

Amanda Hollenback passed her Licensed Practical Nurse state board exams and also received her national certification for phlebotomy.

Joshua Garcia received his national certification for phlebotomy.