A quality online nursing program, such as Lamar University’s Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), can provide you with the knowledge yoaspxu need to care for patients with a broad range of healthcare needs.
Once you begin working as a nurse, you might discover that you have an affinity for a certain specialty, or that you want to expand your knowledge base for a specific area of clinical nursing practice. Many nurses are realizing the personal and professional benefits that can accompany a specialty certification.
What Benefits Do Certifications Offer?
Certification is usually voluntary, but obtaining this extra knowledge can be invaluable. It can validate you as an expert, and it is often associated with having a positive impact on patient satisfaction rates and improved outcomes. This may be because maintaining certification requires continual professional education. This ensures that your skills are relevant and consistent with standards of excellence. Other benefits to certification can include the following:
A sense of pride and accomplishment: This commitment to lifelong learning can result in an increased level of confidence. Being armed with the most cutting edge knowledge for your specialty can help you provide the best patient care.
An edge over the competition: Going that extra step shows that you take your profession seriously. This can help your resume stand out when you are competing for jobs. It might even enable you to negotiate a higher salary.
Validation of your knowledge base: Check with your organization to see if incentives or reimbursement are provided for certification. Some prefer tangible confirmation for their patients regarding the expertise of their nurses, and others might encourage certification to increase the organization’s chances for accreditation.
Choose Your Specialty Certification
There is a wide variety of certification options available. Here are just a few of those options:
- Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN): This certification shows your ability to work in a variety of pediatric roles. You can continue to provide direct care or work as an educator, consultant or supervisor.
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN): Patients’ healthcare needs are increasingly complex. Commit to maintaining superior critical care skills.
- AIDS Certified Registered Nurse (ACRN): Maintain your expertise in addressing the physical and psychosocial issues of patients with HIV/AIDS.
- Certified Managed Care Nurse (CMCN): Enhance your holistic view of the patient to maximize health and wellness.
- Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse (AOCN): Advance your knowledge of the physiological effects of cancer and the care of cancer patients.
Considering Certification?
If you are considering nursing certification, it is best to review the requirements of the specialty you are interested in and begin preparation early. Check specialty nursing organizations to review criteria regarding certifications or the information available at the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Certification exams are meant to challenge your knowledge base. Develop a long-range plan of studying for the exam while you gain the required clinical hours. Eligibility for the exam varies depending on the certification. Check to determine if you meet the requirements, which usually address the following:
- Minimum number of hours (or years) of clinical experience necessary before you can take the exam.
- Specific educational preparation — some require a bachelor’s degree.
- Clinical hours, education and experience required to maintain certification.
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Certified nurses are often held to a higher standard. Obtaining certification in your specialty requires a commitment to learning, and the professional and personal rewards might be well worth the time you invest. Healthcare will continue to evolve, but if you prioritize continuing education, you can feel confident that you are providing quality nursing care.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online RN to BSN program.
Sources:
American Journal of Nursing: Reap the Benefits of Certification
American Nurses Credentialing Center: Our Certifications
Lippincott Nursing Center: Nursing Certification Boards by Specialty
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