On April 23, BCEN was proud to announce our 2025 Distinguished CEN Award winner:
Marvin Delfin, MSN, MAN, RN, CNRN, CPEN, CEN, CCRN, TCRN, CFRN, CTRN, CBRN
Clinical Nurse IV/Unit Educator
The Marc and Laura Andreessen Adult and Pediatric Emergency Departments
Stanford, California
What does this award mean to you?
Receiving the 2025 Distinguished CEN Award is an unexpected blessing that fills my heart with gratitude and pride. As a humble ER nurse from the Philippines, I never imagined that my dream of working in the United States as an immigrant would lead to this incredible recognition.
This award signifies three profound commitments that I hold dear. First, it embodies my responsibility to commit to continuous learning. In the ever-evolving field of emergency care, I am dedicated to providing the safest and highest quality care to my patients. This award inspires me to stay informed, to grow, and to ensure that every patient receives the best possible care. Second, this recognition fuels my passion for uplifting the ER nursing community. I am driven to share my knowledge and expertise, not just within my department but with nurses around the world. I want to motivate my colleagues to pursue certification, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration that enhances our collective impact. Lastly, this award serves as a beacon of hope for rural dreamers everywhere. It is a testament that with hard work, determination, and belief in oneself, anything is possible.
I am here today not just for myself, but for all those who dare to dream and never gave up. I believe we can achieve greatness with our chosen passion and inspire others to follow and help illuminate their paths.
How has holding the CEN credential impacted your daily practice and your nursing career path?
Holding the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) credential has profoundly transformed my daily practice and reshaped my nursing career. It’s more than just a title; it’s a powerful affirmation of my commitment to excellence in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape. As the saying goes, “With great power comes great responsibility.” This certification empowers me to make critical decisions with confidence, skill, and clarity, allowing me to advocate for my patients effectively.
Every shift, I enter the emergency department not just as a nurse, but as a trusted guardian for those in need. The CEN credential instills a deep sense of accountability — a promise to provide the highest level of care rooted in evidence-based practices. I am equipped to face even the most chaotic situations with calm assurance.
Moreover, this journey underscores my commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. It opens doors for leadership opportunities and allows me to mentor fellow nurses, fostering a culture of excellence within my team. Ultimately, this journey isn’t just about me; it’s about every life I touch and every colleague I support. I aspire to inspire others to pursue their own certifications, because together, we can elevate our profession and make a lasting impact on countless lives.
What difference has being board certified in emergency nursing made for your patients and their families?
Being a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) has profoundly impacted my patients, their families and even communities, providing them with a crucial sense of validation and trust. When families see that their nurse is certified, I believe they know that I have demonstrated the experience and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of emergency and critical care.
This assurance is so important, especially in today’s healthcare environment, where acutely and critically ill patients require heightened vigilance, critical thinking and intricate care. As health care becomes increasingly complex, it is essential to assure the public that we are competent and committed to excellence. Certification is not merely a credential or big extra letters; it is a promise of quality and safe care. It empowers us to provide the best outcomes for our patients, ensuring they receive the compassionate, expert care they deserve.
Marvin was nominated by his supervisor, a Stanford Health Care colleague, and a Saudi Arabia-based nurse Marvin inspired. Here’s what they had to say:
“Nurse Marvin embodies the excellence of a BCEN Distinguished Award recipient. A true advocate for specialty certifications, he has inspired countless nurses, including internationally educated nurses—myself included—to pursue certification and excellence in emergency nursing. His unwavering commitment to mentorship, professional development, and fostering a culture of safety and clinical excellence has left an indelible mark on the profession in our department.”
– Clinical Nurse IV Lucille Uy
“In both high stress situations and routine care, Marvin’s clinical excellence shines through. His calm demeanor and decisive actions have led to significant positive outcomes for patients. Colleagues consistently note that his presence during critical interventions boosts morale and enhances team performance, transforming potentially chaotic moments into organized, patient-centered efforts.”
– Clinical Nurse Edmundo Jr. Dela Cruz
“When I think of an internationally educated nurse who embodies passion, dedication and excellence in emergency nursing, one name comes to mind—Nurse Marvin Delfin. As an internationally educated nurse myself, I have witness firsthand how Marvin’s advocacy for certification has changed lives. He has become a guiding light for many Filipino nurses striving to achieve their American Dream. Through his work, he not only uplifts the profession but also instills confidence in internationally educated nurses (EINs), proving that with determination and the right resources, success is possible. What sets Marvin apart is his relentless commitment to empowering others.”
– Charge Nurse Mark Cordova Cuizon, Al Salam Hospital, Saudi Arabia
Read about all of BCEN’s 2025 Distinguished Award honorees here.
