Sandy Mikulich, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, a nurse at Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest, Ill., was one of 436 nurses worldwide to be formally recognized for knowledge and expertise in treating heart failure by the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses, according to a news release.

Mikulich recently was recognized by the AAHFN as a certified heart failure nurse.

To become certified, Mikulich passed an extensive examination that validated her heart failure education, as well as her practice requirements.

Mikulich leads the Advocate South Suburban Hospital Heart Failure Clinic.

In the past year, she helped move heart failure from the most frequent reason for readmission to the seventh most frequent, according to the release.

"Heart failure is a hot topic internationally," Linda Baas, RN, PhD, CHFN, AAHFN president, said in the news release.

"We are determined to push the boundaries in providing the best care possible for heart failure patients.

"A certified heart failure nurse offers a unique expertise to provide a caring, skilled response for their patients."

The AAHFN certification promotes the highest standards of practice within the specialty, validates attainment of a common knowledge base required for practice and promotes continued educational growth.

The certification exam is recognized by ANCC’s Magnet program.

"We are very proud to have Sandy represent Advocate South Suburban Hospital as a certified heart failure nurse," Ajay Parikh, MD, cardiologist and medical director of Advocate South Suburban Hospital’s Heart Failure Clinic, said in the news release. "We are committed to exceptional heart failure care, and Sandy’s work makes a positive impact on the health and wellness of every patient she sees."