In nursing, it feels like there is always something to reach for; that’s because there is always more. So you get into nursing school, receive your Associates, take the NCLEX. After you pass the test and take a position on a hospital floor, eventually, you decide to go back to school for your baccalaureate, Master’s, doctorates, and then there are certifications.
1. What is it?
Plain and simple, a certification is a status that shows the competency and specialization of nursing. There are two types of certifications. One is through an organization based on a particular nursing field such as Oncology or Med-Surg. The other one accompanies a master’s degree. You can only receive one Master’s degree but after the initial degree certificates such as education or case management. We will talk about the first kind here.
2. Who can get a certification?
Anyone who actively works in nursing can get a certification. The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses offers certification for Med-Surg nurses. The program provides the nurses the credential as a Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) certified by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB) msncb.org and endorsed by the Academy of Medical Nurses. To be eligible, they must have two years as an RN with Med-Surg experience and hold a current unencumbered license, with at least 2,000 hours within the last three years, either clinical management or education. Different certifications will require other credentials. For ICU nurses, let’s look at the CCRN (adult). They offer two different categories to be eligible, either be an RN for a two-year option with 1,750 hours of direct care of ICU patients or five years as an RN with 2,000 hours of direct care of ICU patients. For orthopedic nurses, two years as an RN with 1,000 hours of Ortho experience and hold a license.
3. Why become certified?
Employers and hospitals want nurses to become certified for several reasons, but one large one is Magnet status. Magnet status for a hospital is an accomplishment some hospitals strive for, and some eligibility includes nurse retention, certification, and education among the nurses. In addition, some hospitals encourage their nurses to pursue certification and offer review sessions and reimbursement to become certified. Finally, as a nurse, it’s resume building and “validates your expert, specialized knowledge.” (AMSN)
I am currently working on studying for my certification as a Medical-Surgical Nurse. I will have links for the certifications mentioned if you are in a different specialty, look for the nursing association, or a quick internet search will help you find what you need.
AMSN https://www.amsn.org/certification/why-earn-certification
ONC https://www.oncb.org/certifications/
AACN https://www.aacn.org/certification/get-certified
Magnet Status https://www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/magnet/about-magnet/