In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Hollye Briggs, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN to discuss the dynamic world of emergency nursing and the powerful role of certification in professional growth. Hollye shares her inspiring journey from emergency nursing to becoming a specialist in professional development, emphasizing how leadership encouragement can spark a nurse’s pursuit of certification. They dive into the unique personality traits that thrive in the fast-paced, ever-changing environment of emergency care, highlighting adaptability and comfort with controlled chaos. Listeners will discover valuable resources like BCEN’s Nursing Journey and Ed Vantage programs, designed to support nurses at every stage of their career. The episode also offers practical tips on motivating employers to invest in certification, including how AI tools like ChatGPT can help craft compelling proposals. Tune in to explore how certification not only boosts confidence and collaboration but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and leadership.
Hollye Briggs brings more than 17 years of experience in emergency and trauma nursing, specializing in professional development, clinical education, and certification support. She serves as a Professional Development Specialist for the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), where she manages the BCEN Learn platform, facilitates monthly webinars, develops and supports continuing education content, and hosts the BCEN & Friends Podcast. Recognized for her excellence and leadership, Hollye received the 2024 Louisiana ENA Leadership Award, was honored as one of the Great 100 Nurses of Louisiana in 2022, and has earned multiple clinical excellence awards, including the Daisy Award in 2021. She currently serves as Secretary of the Louisiana Council of ENA and has been elected President Elect for 2026 to 2027. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing nursing practice and elevating professional standards across the nation.
Key Takeaways
- 00:02:21 - Hollye Briggs shares her journey from emergency nursing to becoming a professional development specialist at the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing, emphasizing the importance of leadership encouragement in pursuing certification.
- 00:09:16 - Discussion on the diverse personality types that thrive in emergency nursing, highlighting the need for adaptability, rapid reprioritization, and comfort with controlled chaos in this fast-paced specialty.
- 00:15:38 - Introduction of BCEN’s resources such as the Nursing Journey and Ed Vantage program, designed to support nurses at various career stages in exploring and preparing for emergency nursing and certification pathways.
- 00:24:10 - Exploration of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation for nurses pursuing certification, including practical advice on how to approach employers about financial support and the importance of being a worthwhile investment for the organization.
- 00:30:18 - Cara Lunsford explains how nurses can leverage AI tools like ChatGPT to create professional investment proposals advocating for employer support of certification programs, linking certification to improved retention, patient outcomes, and organizational reputation.
- 00:38:22 - The conversation highlights how certification builds nurse confidence, enhances interdisciplinary collaboration, and contributes to a culture of continuous learning and leadership within healthcare organizations, supported by recognition programs like the PCN awards.
