Excellence in nursing leadership is one of the reasons Christian Health Care Center continues to be recognized among the best places for skilled nursing care in Washington. This fall, our director of nursing services, Heather Lewis, RN, was invited to share her expertise on a national stage by serving on the NCLEX-PN Exam Review Panel for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The three-day panel took place in Chicago in early October.
NCSBN develops and administers the NCLEX examinations, which determine whether new nurses meet the minimum standards to enter the profession. These exams influence nursing practice across the United States and parts of Canada, and the organization relies on experienced nursing leaders to help ensure the tests reflect current practice and high expectations for safety and competence.
Being asked to serve on an NCLEX review panel is a mark of distinction in the nursing field. Participants are selected based on clinical expertise, leadership experience and a demonstrated ability to assess what new nurses must know to care for patients safely. Heather was chosen because of her deep experience in long-term care and her strong understanding of the skills and judgment that define excellent nursing practice in this setting.
Her involvement not only reflects her professional credibility, but it also speaks to the level of care available right here in Lynden. When national organizations turn to CHCC’s nursing leaders for guidance, it underscores what many families already know: CHCC is home to talented, respected professionals who dedicate their careers to serving older adults with compassion, skill and integrity.
CHCC is grateful for the commitment Heather brings to our residents, staff and community each day. Her participation in this national review panel is another example of how experienced, mission-driven nursing professionals are shaping the future of long-term care, both locally and across the country.