Certification Matters

Abstract

As professionals, we have many opportunities to prove our expertise in our field. Professional Certification is one of those opportunities. Certified nurses have reported feeling more empowered, with better collaborative relationships, as well as believing that they provide better care. Nurses also have perceived intrinsic value to obtaining certification in a specialty practice area. The certification process attempts to demonstrate that the nurse has exceeded the minimal standards and exhibits a high level of competence over the subject area. Leaders should continue to encourage their team members to obtain professional certification in their specialty areas of practice.

Results From the Perceived Value of Certification Tool-12 Survey: Analysis of the Perceived Value of Certification Among Stroke and Neuroscience Nurses

“…Intrinsic values relate to certification refer to personal accomplishments that are related to empowerment, improved work effectiveness, commitment to the nursing profession, and higher levels of clinical competence. [10][11][12] Extrinsic values relate to certification refer to employer and community recognition resulting in more collaboration and recognition by others. [9][10][11] Studies have demonstrated the perceived value of certification among several nursing specialties 9,[13][14][15] ; however, no studies have evaluated the perceived value of certification among SCRNs or CNRNs.…”

“…[10][11][12] Extrinsic values relate to certification refer to employer and community recognition resulting in more collaboration and recognition by others. [9][10][11] Studies have demonstrated the perceived value of certification among several nursing specialties 9,[13][14][15] ; however, no studies have evaluated the perceived value of certification among SCRNs or CNRNs.…”

“…The PVCT-12 survey consists of 12 questions that are sorted into intrinsic (6 items) and extrinsic (6 items) values, summed, and then interpreted separately. Intrinsic values relate to certification refer to personal accomplishments that are related to empowerment, improved work effectiveness, commitment to the nursing profession, and higher levels of clinical competence 10–12. Extrinsic values relate to certification refer to employer and community recognition resulting in more collaboration and recognition by others 9–11.…”

Redesigning a Clinical Advancement Program to Promote and Strengthen Competencies of Clinical Nurses

“…Through this certification, the profession validates a higher level of clinical knowledge beyond the nursing licensure. As a Magnet hospital, and as supported in the literature, professional certification should be a significant contributor in advancement 12 …”

“…As a Magnet hospital, and as supported in the literature, professional certification should be a significant contributor in advancement. 12 The literature review highlighted the importance of career advancement within CAPs. 4 An aim of the redesign was to create a means for nurses to increase collaboration throughout the institution and tailor their advancement to specific areas of interest.…”