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UT Tyler Palestine Campus Nursing Instructor Recognized for 20 Years of CCRN Certification

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December 5, 2014

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

December 5, 2014

Dyna Tutt has received national recognition this fall for reaching a significant milestone in the nursing profession.

A UT Tyler alumna, Tutt is a nursing instructor at the UT Tyler Palestine Campus who teaches within the Patriots Accessing Technology for Success and Savings Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program.

Since 1994, she has consistently maintained her critical care nursing certification through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses Certification Corporation. Tutt is one of 1,128 CCRNs being honored nationally by AACN for 20 years of continuous certification.

“Dyna Tutt is an experienced Critical Care nurse, a valued nursing instructor and strong community leader here in Palestine,” said Dr. Carol Andersen, director of the Palestine Campus nursing program. “She has served on the Palestine Independent School District Board for 12 years, serving as president for two years and vice president for four years, as well as her current role a secretary of the PISD Board. We are proud of Ms. Tutt’s work with faculty and students and across the community.”

Students benefit greatly from her knowledge, skill and expertise.

“Ms. Tutt is part of the team of highly qualified nursing education leaders here in Palestine, and part of a broader faculty within the School of Nursing across all three campuses: in Palestine, Longview and the main campus in Tyler.

“Tutt served as faculty adviser for Nurses Christian Fellowship on the Palestine campus for seven years, and she remains committed to engaging students in service learning through community service here at the UT Tyler Palestine Campus,” Andersen added.

CCRN certification is one of the most advanced professional credentials that can be achieved by a nurse in the field of acute and critical care. As a result, the CCRN credential is highly regarded as recognition of advanced knowledge and clinical expertise in the care of acutely and critically ill patients and their families. There are currently more than 68,000 CCRN-certified nurses practicing worldwide who specialize in the care of adult, pediatric and/or neonatal patient populations.

The importance of clinical certification to the health and well being of patients in the U.S. has been well documented. CCRN certified nurses are particularly motivated to maintain clinical excellence even in rapidly changing acute and critical care environments. Research studies have specifically linked CCRN certification to higher levels of job satisfaction, clinical knowledge, experience and skill and the achievement of certification serves as a tangible demonstration of commitment on the part of the individual to patients, families, employers and colleagues alike.

Hospitals that encourage and support their nurses in becoming certified demonstrate to their patients a high level of commitment to creating an exceptional care environment and, to their nurses, a culture of professionalism and retention imperative in today’s healthcare environment.

Tutt has worked as a Critical Care Nurse at Palestine Regional Medical Center and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, the international honor society for nursing, since 2006.

One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 8,000 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.