Patricia Cohan, a critical care registered nurse at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby, is among 521 such nurses being honored this year for 30 years of continuous certification through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Corporation — one of the most advanced professional credentials that can be achieved by a nurse in the field of acute and critical care, according to a Cabinet Peaks news release.

“The importance of clinical certification to the health and well-being of patients in the United States has been well documented,” states the news release. “Research has specifically linked CCRN certification to higher level job satisfaction, clinical knowledge, experience, and skill. These studies have found that CCRN certified nurses are particularly motivated to maintain clinical excellence even in rapidly changing acute and critical care environments.”

To maintain her certification, Cohan must complete 100 hours of approved education and 200 hours of beside critical care hours every three years.

Cohan has been a registered nurse for 44 years and has worked at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center since 1996, where she has nursed in several departments.