The SSH, which seeks to improve performance and reduce errors in patient care through the use of simulation, recognized Watts and other newly certified health-care professionals in three different areas as part of its International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH) held Jan. 16-20 in San Diego.
Dr. Penni WattsThe CHSE-A, instituted by the SSH about two years ago, recognizes leaders in health-care simulation and requires applicants to submit a portfolio that demonstrates their professional expertise in the field. Watts’ portfolio was selected by the CHSE-A Subcommittee to be showcased at an IMSH preconference workshop and was cited by that group’s chairman as a great example of what the certification reviewers were looking for and what those considering applying for certification should see.
“I am thrilled that the Society for Simulation in Healthcare has chosen to recognize me as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator-Advanced,” Watts said. “Now I look forward to the challenge of encouraging and helping other educators receive their CHSE-A certification so that together we can continue to advance the field of health-care simulation to improve care for all our patients.”
While recognizing the newly certified members at the IMSH, Certification Committee Chair Susan Decker, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, cited the group’s current certification numbers in three areas as: Certified Health Simulation Educators (677 individuals representing 19 countries), CHSE-As (18 individuals representing three countries), and Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialists (63 individuals representing six countries).
Decker noted that SSH certification provides a formalized validation of specific knowledge, skills, attitudes and experience related to simulation.
“Key points that I’d like to emphasize are the value of certification and the fact that certification is a volunteer process,” Decker said. “Obtaining a certification allows an individual to validate his or her knowledge base and competence related to the specific area in which they are obtaining the certification, either as an educator or as an operations specialist.”
Watts earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing degree from the School in 2015.
