November 3, 2010

Broadlawns' Brookhart Earns Emergency Certification

DES MOINES, Iowa (Nov 3, 2010) --Angie Brookhart, safety coordinator at Broadlawns Medical Center has completed the requirements for a Certified Healthcare Emergency Professional (CHEP). Brookhart has worked in the Department of Nursing Administration at Broadlawns for four years. This is the first CHEP certification in the greater Des Moines area.

 The CHEP credential was developed by the International Board for Certification of Safety Managers to meet the need for a professional certification for healthcare emergency executives, managers, coordinators and associates. Guidelines for this designation include input from practicing healthcare emergency and disaster professionals. Earning the CHEP indicates that the certified professional is qualified to support the objectives and goals related to effective healthcare emergency management.

"This professional certification validates Angie’s experience, education, knowledge, and dedication to a professional code of conduct," said Susan Kirstein, chief nursing officer at Broadlawns. "Healthcare organizations like ours need professionals who understand emergency management principles and how they support the healthcare environment in the community. We are proud to have the first Certified Healthcare Emergency Professional in the city here at Broadlawns."

Candidates must have three years of experience in emergency management, disaster response, emergency planning or in emergency services, as well as one year of validated experience in healthcare emergency or disaster management and at least two documented emergency or disaster exercises. They also must complete required course work and pass a comprehensive board examination.

Broadlawns Medical Center first opened its doors as a hospital to the residents of Polk County on April 13, 1924. Over the years, Broadlawns has adapted to the changing demands of public health care, yet remained true to its mission of offering quality health services to all Polk County residents and training tomorrow’s health care professionals. Today Broadlawns Medical Center is composed of:

• An acute care community hospital serving medical, surgical, mental health and primary care needs
• A 60-member physician practice overseeing numerous specialty clinics and outpatient services
• A Family Medicine Residency Program that graduates physician leaders who today serve in 22 of Iowa’s 99 counties

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