Brought to you by:

The Advanced Practice Initiatives & Certification Outreach Team

Celebrating Healthy Aging Month 
 Featuring Brad Goettl, DNP, DHA, FNP-C, ENP-C,
AGACNP-BC, CFRN, FAANP, FAEN, FAAN, FACHE 
and His Experience in Helping the Aging Population 

Dr. Brad Goettl’s motivation to pursue nursing stemmed from early experiences in healthcare, beginning over 20 years ago while working in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as a paramedic. These experiences deepened his appreciation for the critical role that healthcare professionals play in saving lives and providing care during some of the most challenging moments. He quickly recognized the opportunities for career advancement and felt a strong desire to expand his skills and knowledge. This drive to grow professionally, coupled with his passion for emergency care, ultimately led to his goal of becoming a flight nurse.  

Brad became an ANCC-certified Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC) to enhance his expertise in managing the complex health needs of older adults, particularly within the challenging environment of the emergency department. Holding additional APRN certifications, such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP-C), has prepared and empowered him to deliver specialized, evidence-based care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. 

Caring for this population in the emergency department requires a nuanced approach—balancing the immediacy of acute management with an in-depth understanding of chronic conditions and the physiological changes that accompany aging. A key component of this care involves integrating healthy lifestyle practices, such as proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and regular exercise, into the plan of care and discharge instructions. Engaging both patients and their caregivers in adopting these habits is crucial for supporting their long-term well-being and promoting healthy aging beyond the emergency department visit. This advanced training has not only enhanced his clinical practice but also informs his current role as Chief Clinical Officer of the Emergency Nurses Association, where he and his team advance geriatric care through research, practice resource development, education, and advocacy. 

To Brad, being ANCC-certified is more than just a credential—it’s a testament to his commitment to excellence in nursing. It symbolizes dedication to continuous learning, the pursuit of best practices, and the drive to provide the highest quality care to every patient. It’s about being part of a community of professionals who strive to elevate nursing practice and lead with knowledge and integrity. 

Throughout his nursing journey, Brad has been driven by a passion for improving patient care and a commitment to professional development. His experience as a paramedic, nurse, nurse practitioner, and leader has given him a unique perspective on the importance of collaboration and innovation in healthcare. 

He has held leadership roles in education, professional organizations, and health systems. Now, as Chief Clinical Officer for the Emergency Nurses Association, he continues to focus on advancing nursing practice. Brad advanced his career by earning advanced degrees in nursing and healthcare administration, obtaining specialty certifications, engaging in continuous learning, staying actively involved in professional associations, and building a strong network of colleagues. 

His contributions to the profession have been recognized with Fellow designations from the American Academy of Nursing, the Academy of Emergency Nursing, and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. 

Happy Vascular Nurses Week!
September 8-14

Supporting Our Collaborative Organizations

 Featuring Gabriell N. Grayson, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, CV-BC and
Her Decision to Become ANCC Certified in Cardiac Vascular Nursing

Dr. Gabriell N. Grayson, a member from our collaborative organization, Society for Vascular Nursing, was motivated to become a registered nurse after many hospital visits as a child for severe asthma. The nurses who cared for her during that time made a meaningful impact on her life. These experiences influenced Gabriell to pursue a career in nursing, where she could provide compassionate care, support patients through challenging health journeys, and contribute to the healing process. The sense of purpose, fulfillment, and the ability to make a tangible difference in the well-being of others were powerful motivators for Gabriell to pursue nursing. She has provided care and comfort to patients since 1996. 

Gabriell has worked with patients in telemetry, the ICU, and the cardiac catheterization lab since 1997. After ten years of experience in cardiovascular nursing, she felt compelled to sit for the Cardiac Vascular Nursing (CVN-BC) exam, which she has been certified in since 2007. 

Being dual-certified in both CVN-BC and as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP-BC) demonstrates Gabriell’s high level of expertise and commitment to her field, enhancing her credibility and professional reputation. 

To Gabriell, certification assures patients, employers, and colleagues that she possesses advanced knowledge and skills, leading to better patient outcomes, increased trust, and career advancement opportunities. Moreover, obtaining and maintaining certification encourages ongoing education and professional development, ensuring that nurses stay current with the latest best practices and innovations. 

Certification through ANCC holds significant value for Gabriell, as it is a testament to her expertise, dedication, and commitment to the profession. It validates her knowledge and skills in CVN-BC and ACNP-BC, enhancing her career opportunities, professional recognition, and compensation. Additionally, it demonstrates Gabriell’s commitment to providing high-quality patient care, as certification often correlates with better patient outcomes. Gabriell's ANCC certifications are a source of personal pride and reflects her continuous pursuit of excellence. Holding these certifications is not just a professional milestone but a comprehensive affirmation of her competence, dedication, and role in advancing healthcare standards. 

We Celebrate Collaborative Organization Members 

A Special Message from Lourdes B. Careaga, MSN, RN, NE-BC,

Lourdes B. Careaga, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Certification Outreach Program Manager 
successpays@ana.org

nursingworld.org/certification/success-pays/

As an ANCC-certified nurse myself, I understand the value of certification, the hard work, and the dedication it takes not only to obtain certification but also to maintain it. As the Certification Outreach Program Manager, I manage and support our ANCC Success Pays^® program and our collaborative organizations. The nurses in these programs who have decided to pursue ANCC certification have also chosen to embark on a professional journey to provide patient-focused care.

I feel honored to work with the nurses, primary contacts, and executive leaders of these organizations, and I am confident that we share a collective mission of enhancing skills and knowledge to provide the best care possible. I wish all SVN members a Happy Vascular Nurses Week and thank Dr. Gabriell N. Grayson for sharing her story with us!

Share Your Story with Us! 

Connect With Us if you are Interested in Providing a Testimonial

Meet Katelyn Bern, MA, who manages customer engagement through social media and at ANCC tradeshows. Reach out to her if you would like to share your motivational story with us and what being ANCC certified means to you.
We would be honored to share your story!

Follow Us & Get Helpful Resources:

• ANCC Certification Facebook
• Meet the Team

Katelyn Bern, MA
Outreach Engagement Manager &
Tradeshow Liaison 
certificationoutreach@ana.org

Please enjoy our previous Monthly Stories of Inspiration from ANCC Certified Nurses:

1. May Edition: Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 
2. June Edition: Celebrating 2024 Graduates
3. July Edition: Celebrating French American Heritage Month
4. August Edition: Celebrating Back to School Month