Parrish Healthcare Celebrates Certified Nurses Day

TITUSVILLE, FLA. (March 19, 2025)—Parrish Healthcare is excited to celebrate Certified Nurses Day—an annual day of recognition for and by health care leaders dedicated to nursing professionalism, excellence, recognition and service.

Celebrated since the 1980s, every March 19, employers, certification boards, education facilities and health care providers celebrate and publicly acknowledge nurses who earn and maintain the highest credentials in their specialty. Certified Nurses Day honors nurses worldwide who contribute their talents through national board certification in their specialty. Parrish Healthcare is proud to celebrate twenty nurses who are board certified in their specialty.

Kristina Crabtree, Director of People Development at Parrish Healthcare, explains the significance and additional workload for nurses to obtain certification. “When a registered nurse decides to work towards becoming a certified nurse, they are voluntarily taking an extra step in their education to demonstrate a level of competence and knowledge in their field of nursing.” Kristina is among those being celebrated, as she’s earned a Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC). “Becoming a certified nurse is a fantastic professional development opportunity and shows continued dedication to the nursing profession.”

Heather Focht, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Nurse (IBCLC), explains how her certification has impacted her knowledge respective to caring for new moms. “As a certified lactation consultant, I provide expert, evidence-based support to help mothers and babies thrive. My certification ensures families receive the highest level of care, guidance and encouragement throughout their breastfeeding journey.”

Nicholas Gumieny, Manager of Emergency Services at Parrish Medical Center, is also among those being celebrated. “As a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), I’ve mastered my skills in emergency response situations; providing the highest level of care in circumstances where every second counts.” Nicholas continues, “I regularly encourage nurses to seek certifications in their specialty. Parrish Healthcare is very supportive of any nurse who wishes to continue their education and offers a great tuition reimbursement program. It’s always wonderful to work somewhere that places such a level of importance on continued education.”

Of Parrish Healthcare’s twenty certified nurses, four Care Partners work exclusively within the Women’s Center and hold certifications in perinatal care. Holly Malcom, who holds an Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Certification (RNC-OB), recalls why she originally wanted to become a nurse. “When I was ten years old, my older brother was sick. I was so fascinated with the nurses caring for him. I decided then that I would become a nurse.” Holly explains how her certification, which requires a renewal every three years, impacts her as a Care Partner within Parrish Healthcare, “I feel having this certification keeps me current with evidence-based best practice and allows me to navigate the labor and delivery process and manage obstetric emergencies more efficiently, therefore allowing me to be a better nurse.”

Congratulations and thank you to the following Care Partners who are celebrated today on Certified Nurses Day: Holly Malcom, Robert Chambers, Heather Focht, Angela Sima, Stella Barrett, Peggy McLaughlin, Olivia Maggs, Nicholas Gumieny, Kristina Crabtree, Kristi Foreman, Kimber Whitehurst, Joseline Medina, Axelrave Dominguez, Shannon Luker, Imee Perez, Ellen Wright, Shannon Burdine, Victoria Pappademetriou, Melanie Troxell and Elizabeth Culpepper.