Assistant Professor of Nursing Rhonda Payne has successfully passed her national certification exam as a certified nurse educator (CNE), said Faith Garrett, director of the Bainbridge College (BC) Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN).

Director Garrett also said that Ms. Payne is “a wonderful example to her peers, students, and the college as a whole.”

“This national exam has been noted to be extremely challenging, and one must have extensive knowledge of nursing education to pass it,” Ms. Garrett said. “By obtaining this credential, Rhonda is recognized as an academic nurse educator with specialized extensive knowledge. It also reflects her commitment to excellence in practice.”

The Donalsonville resident, who has been with the BC ADN program since its inception in 2004, earned her master of science degree in nursing from the University of Alabama and her bachelor of science in nursing from the Medical College of Georgia.

She took on the challenging national certification task to ensure quality for the program because the certificate demonstrates the individual’s commitment and qualifications.

“It demonstrates that you care enough to assure quality through this voluntary assessment,” Ms. Payne said, adding that she did it for her students. “The students are what it’s all about,” she said, adding that she greatly appreciated the support she had from the BC ADN faculty as she undertook the challenge.

To prepare for the exam, her studies were all encompassing of nursing education, curriculum, teaching strategies, excellence in nursing and outcomes.

With the certification behind her, she continues moving forward on her doctoral dissertation in health sciences with a concentration in education and research. She said those doctoral studies through Touro University helped her prepare for the exam as did her work with students.