SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., –Katie Corey, MPA, NREMT-B, CSTR, Regional West’s Trauma Registrar and Performance Improvement Coordinator, recently earned the distinction of being the state’s first Certified Trauma Registrar.

As Trauma Registrar, Corey coordinates the hospital’s trauma registry while supporting Region 4 Trauma Services’ 11 trauma nurse coordinators in training, data entry, and performance improvement activities. Approximately 600 charts are entered annually from Regional West trauma patients, and another 650 charts reviewed annually from the other 10 regional hospitals. The trauma registry provides statistics, reports, and supports prevention initiatives, and is the tool which drives performance improvement initiatives.

“It has been enjoyable watching Katie develop the position of Trauma Registrar and Performance Improvement Coordinator,” said Trauma Program Manager Shermaine Sterkel, RN, BSN, CCRN. “The certification test is not an easy one; Regional West and Region 4 Trauma are fortunate to have Katie in this role.”

In March 2010, the ATSRCB (American Trauma Society’s Registrar Certification Board) Trauma Registrar Certification Examination celebrated its 10th anniversary. Over the last 10 years, just 220 candidates have attained their certification through the ATSRCB examination. Certification in trauma registry is highly valued and provides formal recognition of trauma registry knowledge. The certification encourages continued personal and professional growth in the practice of trauma registry.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,800 employees, provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, Regional West offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is one of three Level II Trauma Centers in Nebraska.