The Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center at Holy Family at Merrimack Valley in Haverhill is proud to announce that Amy Verheyen, RN CHRN has attained certification as a certified hyperbaric registered nurse.

When first hired to work in the wound care and hyperbaric center, Verheyen’s training involved over 50 hours of course work in advanced wound knowledge. When her initial training was complete, she accepted the challenge of attaining her Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Society Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine. 

To sit for the exam, Verheyen needed to oversee the delivery of over 400 hours of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to patients, and receive the endorsement of Vascular Surgeon Walter Kwass, MD, who serves as medical director of the center.

“I am very proud of Amy’s achievement in gaining this difficult certification;  it indicates her commitment to the high standards of care that mark all of her work,” said Dr. Kwass. “It is part of the spirit of excellence that I hope this wound center will continue to offer our community.”

Verheyen studied all aspects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, from the physics behind the treatments, to the more practical aspects of caring for patients.  The test is technical and difficult so it is not uncommon for nurses to have to take it multiple times before receiving a passing grade. Verheyen passed it on her first sitting and now proudly uses the Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse initials after her name.

The Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center at Holy Family Hospital at Merrimack Valley specializes in all types of wounds, and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Physicians and patients can expect prompt appointments, comprehensive wound care, and advanced wound care services, including epidermal skin grafts, skin substitutes, V.A.C therapy, surgical debridement and hyperbaric oxygen therapy when appropriate.  

For more information, please call 978-420-1405.