Why become a certified RN?
There is a new buzzword in town. The Magnet status accreditation and recognition for nursing excellence has influenced health care facilities and encouraged nurses to be certified. Since the 1970’s, the development of certification examinations started by the American Nurses Associations (ANA) and other not-for-profit organizations emerged to provide concrete recognition for professional achievement /accomplishment in different clinical areas of nursing. The basis for credentialing has to do with the standards set by ANA. In 2000, American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) launched the other credentialing title of Board Certified (BC) in addition to the existing Certified Registered Nurse (RNC).
In 1994, this editor passed her certification examination in in-patient obstetrics, and is currently maintaining it in accordance with the requirements set up by the certifying organization. Today, most health care facilities have started giving an annual financial reimbursement for those with current specialty certification. Is it not awesome that this gives one an incentive and motivation to have it? But, is it all about money that drives one to take the certification examination? Or, is it for self-improvement, self-satisfaction, integrity, professionalism, prestige? Let’s explore.
The writer’s motivation in 1994 was self-fulfillment, competency validation, and improvement in self-esteem, self-confidence and most of all to maintain professionalism. Nurses should always look for opportunities to grow, improve, and challenge one self. Be dynamic in the chosen nursing specialty to keep up with the trends. Often times, one forgets why one chose nursing as a career to begin with. Nothing is easy whether in life, career, and family and so on and certainly not even in nursing
However, one satisfying moment like a new baby being born can brighten ones day after an overwhelming work day in the delivery room, or a mother endlessly thanking you for their loved one who is out of danger in the emergency room, or comforting a family member who is now at peace after their loved one just passed away. These are unique experiences and gratifying moments for the nurse and her patient. But what is more gratifying is that, one has the self-confidence, competency, and professionalism to demonstrate a quality care which, is more valuable asset of being a certified nurse. Keep in mind also that nursing is one of the most trusted professions today.
Yes, having to sit for the certification examination is just like taking the board examination for the first time. This time instead of learning all the different fields of nursing and being tested on it, the focus is on one field of nursing or specialty. Is it more difficult? I can say it is intense but if a nurse has adhered to specialty-based standard of nursing practice then, there is a good chance of passing the examination.
So anyone who is interested in taking the certification examination, please visit the nursing certification link on this website, and move on. Good luck to those who are going to take the examination this year!
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Content copyright © 2023 by Helen V. Calalang-Javier, MSN, RNC, IBCLC. All rights reserved.
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