WINDSOR – Denise Edmondson, RN, ACM, with Vidant Bertie Hospital, recently passed the certification exam from the American Case Management Association (ACMA) and was credentialed as an Accredited Case Manager (ACM).

The ACM™ Certification was created by ACMA in 2005, and is designed specifically for health delivery system and transitions of care (TOC) case management professionals. This certification is unique among Case Management certifications because the examination:

Specifically addresses Case Management in health delivery system settings;

Tests core Case Management knowledge that is shared by Nurse and Social Work Case Managers, as well as competency in the individual skills of each professional background; and

Utilizes clinical simulation testing methodology to test “competency beyond knowledge” – testing critical thinking skills and the ability to use knowledge in practical situations.

The exam consists of two components. The first contains core case management questions that test the knowledge skills and abilities of registered nurse or social work Case Managers working in a hospital/health system. The second component is comprised of discipline specific clinical simulations. This discipline specific testing method reflects ACMA’s respect for the different roles practiced by registered nurse and social work case managers. A passing score on both the core and the discipline specific portions will entitle individuals to the ACM™, (Accredited Case Manager) credential.

Edmonson became a Registered Nurse (RN) 33 years ago, and has been a Case Manager since 1999, spending the last eight years at Vidant Bertie Hospital as the Nurse Case Manager.

Jeff Sackrison, President of Vidant Bertie Hospital, stated, “Denise embodies the values of Vidant Health. She works tirelessly with our patients and their families to ensure that they transition from the hospital to the most appropriate setting, be it a skilled care facility, home, or elsewhere. She is dedicated to the patients and their well-being.  We are proud of Denise’s recent accomplishment and are so happy that she is part of the Vidant Bertie Hospital team.”