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By Da Yeon Eom, Internal Communications intern
Pam Bigler and Amber Nibling standing in front of their
PowerPoint presentation
Conference experience shows Carle is light-years ahead
Published on 8/1/2016
Pam Bigler and Amber Nibling’s recent conference presentation focused on
Carle’s proven tactics to improve certification rates.
The 41st annual conference for the American Academy of Ambulatory Care
Nursing was held at Palm Springs, Calif. on May 18. Bigler, chief nursing
officer, and Nibling, manager of Transition to Practice Programs, gave a podium
presentation titled "The Aha Moment: Moving Certification Rates Faster Than a
Speeding Bullet!"
The presentation focused on proven tactics that increase certification rates for
ambulatory nurses. Certification is important for showing the nursing staff’s
commitment to maintaining the latest nursing practice standards, specialized
knowledge, skills and experience – an important link to better outcomes. The
pair explained how Carle, a newly integrated organization, worked to raise
certification rates in the ambulatory setting.
They explained to the audience Carle set a goal of having 30 percent of the
eligible nurses in the organization certified by August 2013. To demonstrate
Carle’s support, they reimbursed nurses upon successful completion of the
exam, distributed points on the ambulatory professional nurse ladder, and
recognized them in newsletters and congratulatory emails.
Bigler and Nibling spoke to the crowd of 250 ambulatory nurses about how Carle provides an extraordinary workplace for nurses who wish to
gain experience in diverse settings and to increase their skill sets. They added personal stories from their years spent at the organization and the
challenges that they overcame.
The pair shared some of the obstacles Carle nurses had to achieving certifications: lack of available prep materials, lack of desire and fear of new
challenges. In 2015, as the deadline for ambulatory Magnet certification approached, not enough number of nurses had passed the exam and
time was ticking. To address the problem, the nursing leadership team came up with a solution to pay for certification up front to save time and
effort on the repayment process.
Speaking to a large audience is not everyone’s forte, but Bigler and Nibling were happy to share Carle’s successes. Bigler credits Nibling for
making the presentation not just informative, but dynamic. “Amber was the one who actually brought us to what we needed," Bigler said. "She
is a natural at public speaking! I had to practice, practice, practice, practice. After rehearsal, I would think that it went okay, but that I can do
better.”
Their efforts were not wasted. After a resounding affirmative reaction from the unfamiliar crowd, Nibling admits she thought, “Wow! We are on
it!” She said many nurses from other organizations came up to her to say that the pair did an inspiring job.
The presentation also helped shine a light on Carle. When Bigler asked for questions from the audience, she said a person from the crowd got
up and said, “I don’t have a question. I have a comment. I used to work at Carle, and everything you have presented is true. It is a great place to
work, and I am glad I have experienced the organization.” Such responses reaffirmed Bigler’s and Nibling’s belief that Carle does amazing work
that impacts people's lives.
Throughout the conference, the two were able to explore the trends of professional practice in ambulatory care. They observed what problems
other organizations are facing, and the progress made so far. By attending the conference, they were offered a different perspective, which
made them appreciate the Carle Experience even more by recognizing that they have been participating in practices that are light-years ahead.
“I learned that we have a lot of potential for our organization, Bigler said. "It shows that we are heading in the right direction, and we are ahead.
It’s always re-energizing for me to realize that we are doing a good job and that we are doing what we need to do.”
Both of them feel confident that Carle will be redesignated for Magnet in 2018 because the organization does not have any shortage of
innovative work in its nursing practices. And they know that there are stories to prove that their work is top-notch, to be a leader of the trends in
nursing.
At the end of the day, they credit the success of the presentation to their team. They would not have been able to perfect their presentation if
they did not receive support from the others. Nibling said, “There was no individual work that was done here. No matter your role, it is still
integral to make Carle a world-class healthcare provider.”
Both Nibling and Bigler remarked about how much they appreciated each other’s company throughout the conference as they carried the
responsibility of representing Carle. “As a nurse in the organization, it was the highest honor to be able to present with our chief nursing
officer" Bigler said. "It is a once-in-a-lifetime thing to see our journey, look at how far we’ve come, and to tell our story.”
Page 1 of 3Conference experience shows Carle is light-years ahead
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Wendy Farmer 7/29/2016 9:42 AM Delete
I was able to attend the AAACN conference this year. It was my very first conference, and it was an amazing experience. Pam and Amber did an
amazing job with their presentation! They did a great job representing our organization. Way to go ladies!!!
Angela Davis 7/28/2016 11:37 AM Delete
Nibs! I am so proud of you.
Jumana Shawkat 7/28/2016 11:28 AM Delete
Always proud of ALL Carle staff. and so proud to be working at Carle , Way to go Ladies !!
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