The Value of Certification—A Research Journey

Abstract

ONE MEASURE OF NURSING EXCELLENCE is achieving specialty certification, which denotes a more advanced level of knowledge and practice. THE CERTIFICATION BOARD Perioperative Nursing (CBPN) provides specialty certification for perioperative nurses. The organization's mission is to be the leader in competency credentialing and education that promotes safe, quality patient care in the perioperative arena. THIS ARTICLE PRESENTS study findings regarding the perceived value of a barriers to obtaining certification.

The perceived value of green professional credentials to credential holders in the US building design and construction community

“…Independent, private organizations such as the Project Management Institute and the American Society of Civil Engineers award credentials often for the purposes of peer recognition and credibility (Adams et al, 2004;Pearce and Ahn, 2012). On the other hand, government bodies commonly issue licences for demonstrating an understanding of a minimum level of knowledge or competence (Byrne et al, 2004). Without possession of a licence, an individual or a company cannot legally perform certain professional activities (Eggert, 2001).…”

“…In contrast, certification 'does not confer any additional rights or privileges' (Eggert, 2001, p. 2), although it may offer benefits if associated with a particular capability such as performing a formal role in a rating process. Essentially, certification is voluntary, while licensure is compulsory (Byrne et al, 2004).…”

“…In nursing, for example, increased earning potential is a commonly referenced value to certified practitioners Professional credentials 967 (Byrne et al, 2004;Robinson and Mee, 2004;Grief, 2007). Grief (2007) found that on average, the hourly wage differential between Certified Flight Registered Nurses (CFRN) and uncertified nurses is between US $0.50 and US$1.00.…”

Orthopaedic nurse certification in Canada: A monumental milestone

“…The advantages of certification have been cited as: decreased errors and adverse events (Cary, 2001), a higher standard of knowledge and skill (CNA, 2005;Nance, 1999), personal achievement and satisfaction (Coleman et al, 1999;Fetzer, 1997), validation of knowledge (Niebuhr, 1994;Gaberson et al, 2003;Roberts, 2001), professional prestige and status (Gaberson et al, 2003;Byrne et al, 2004;Nielsen et al, 1990;Faherty, 1991), job satisfaction (Coleman et al, 1999;Gaberson et al, 2003;Byrne et al, 2004), increased job opportunities (Faherty, 1991;Woods, 2002), evidence of commitment to professionalism (Byrne et al, 2004;Faherty, 1991), and decreased liability insurance premiums (Woods, 2002). In addition, twenty universities in Canada give credit for nurse certification in their Baccalaureate nursing programs (CNA, 2004).…”

“…Barriers to certification from the literature include: cost of examination, lack of institutional support, lack of institutional reward, lack of time to prepare for the examination and lack of access to preparation materials, lack of recognition, lack of compensation, lack of experience, fear of failing the exam, lack of personal motivation, too late in career to benefit and personal circumstances (Byrne et al, 2004;Woods, 2002;Redd and Alexander, 1997). Nurse managers and educators and surgeons can help to address these barriers.…”