Karen Hixson Earns Certified Bariatric Nurse Credential

SARANAC LAKE - A key member of the Weight Management Program at Adirondack Medical Center has achieved a distinct certification.

Karen Hixson, who is an Adult Nurse Practitioner, recently became a Certified Bariatric Nurse through the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.  Bariatric surgery is also known as weight-loss surgery.  To achieve this high level of certification, the individual must be a registered nurse, perform 24 months of nursing care for bariatric patients, follow the standards of conduct, and take a two-month online review course.  Finally, the candidate must pass a thorough three-hour exam to receive the Certified Bariatric Nurse credential. 

A nurse practitioner is a mid-level medical provider such as a physician assistant, and because of advanced education is in a position to diagnose a condition, prescribe medications, order laboratory or medical imaging tests, and refer a patient to a specialist.

The Certified Bariatric Nurse credential is an asset to the Weight Management Program at AMC where patients often require a lengthy treatment process for multiple medical conditions.

To be recertified as a Certified Bariatric Nurse, Continuing Medical Education is required. 

Karen has been with the program since its inception in 1999.

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery has also designated the Weight Management Program and Dr. Michael Hill as Centers of Excellence at AMC.  The Weight Management Program is run under the medical direction of Dr. Edward G. Hixson.

Karen Hixson

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	AMC is accredited by the Joint Commission. Click here to view the Joint Commission Public Notice.
	AMC is accredited by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program.
	Adirondack Medical Center's Bariatric Program and Dr. Michael Hill have been designated as a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.