Constructing a Sensitizing Definition of Certification in Nursing for Research Purposes

Abstract

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to construct a sensitizing definition of certification in nursing for research purposes that can provide a foundation from which to further develop a coherent research program building evidence about the impact of certification on healthcare outcomes. BACKGROUND The lack of a single definition of certification in nursing makes it difficult to draw conclusions about the relationship between specialty certification and patient outcomes. METHODS This study was guided by the Delphi-Chaffee hybrid methodology proposed by Grant et al. DISCUSSION Constructing a single, sensitizing definition of certification: 1) provides coherency for direction of certification research; 2) serves as a guide for researchers; and 3) facilitates multimethodological approaches to exploring the relationship among the different components of the definition of certification. CONCLUSION A sensitizing definition of certification provides an opportunity for researchers to study the relationship between nursing certification and patient outcomes.

Data Needs and Availability for Specialty Certification Research

“…Certification data reside within 2 different spheres: 1) practice settings that employ certified nurses; and 2) organizations that certify nurses. The overarching question for this survey was “What, how, and where are data related and relevant to specialty certification of licensed nurses collected by Magnet and Pathway designated organizations and national specialty certification organizations?” Consistent with the definition proposed by Chappell et al, 11 we defined specialty certification as voluntary individual nurse certification in a nursing specialty from a national certifying body.…”

Credentialing and certification: Overview, science, and impact on policy, regulation, and practice

“…Evidence does demonstrate that nurses value certification as it enhances empowerment, validates specialized knowledge, and contributes to personal accomplishment and satisfaction (Ward & Krogh, 2019; Marx et al., 2019). Certification in a specialty area of practice has also been associated with improvement in patient outcomes including falls, hospital‐acquired infections, central line‐related bloodstream infections, and mortality (Chappell et al., 2019).…”

“…To become certified, nurses are required to meet predetermined eligibility criteria and achieve standards identified by a nursing specialty, including sufficient practical experience and passing a certification examination that provides external validation of knowledge and judgement. The intended outcome of certification in nursing is to validate competence with the overall goal of improving safety, quality of care, and health outcomes for people who use healthcare services (Chappell et al., 2019).…”

Readiness Tests

“…Certification has been associated with improved patient outcomes, such as reductions in falls, hospitalacquired infections, and mortality. 2 In addition, nurse leaders seeking initial or renewed Magnet ® designation need to demonstrate that they are supporting nurses in their certification efforts. 3 Finally, nurses themselves find personal satisfaction in certification, expressing a commitment to patient care and the nursing profession.…”

“…Nurse leaders should leverage and encourage nurse certification for multiple reasons. Certification has been associated with improved patient outcomes, such as reductions in falls, hospital-acquired infections, and mortality 2 . In addition, nurse leaders seeking initial or renewed Magnet ® designation need to demonstrate that they are supporting nurses in their certification efforts 3 .…”