An Overview of Nursing Certifications
Acquiring a nursing certification encompasses more than just initials attached to a nurse's name; it indicates that the nurse has the vital skills needed for effective job performance. Securing the right certifications not only aids nurses in obtaining employment but also facilitates career progression and the pursuit of leadership opportunities. Every nurse can develop and refine their practice within the field, making it essential for them to remain proactive in their professional growth.
Earning certification empowers nurses to deepen their knowledge in specific domains. For example, those interested in psychiatric nursing have the option to gain a psychiatric mental health nursing certification. In essence, certification provides a significant opportunity for nurses to enhance their careers.
This guide will examine: - Various Nursing Certifications - The Ideal Time for Nurses to Pursue Certifications - Steps for Nurses to Achieve Certification
Numerous factors can motivate nurses to seek further certifications. The benefits of certification are substantial, including: - Strengthening your resume to appeal to employers - Elevating your overall nursing skills - Increasing potential earnings - Supporting career advancement - Meeting eligibility for positions that require certification
**Nurse Case Manager**
Certified Nurse Case Managers can select from either the Commission for Case Manager (CCM) Certification or the ANCC Nursing Case Management Certification (RN-BC).
**Requirements for ANCC Certification:** - Must have an active Registered Nurse (RN) license - Demonstrate two years of full-time RN experience - Have at least 2,000 hours of clinical nurse management experience within the past three years - Complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education in case management over the last three years
**Family Nurse Practitioners Certification:**
Nurses can opt for either the AANPCB Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certification or the ANCC FNP Certification (FNP-BC).
**Requirements:** - For ANCC FNP-BC: Requires an active APRN license and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with at least 500 supervised clinical hours. - For AANPCB FNP: An active APRN license and an MSN from a family nurse practitioner program are needed.
**Specialized Nursing Concentrations**
**Informatics Nursing Certifications:**
Nurses can obtain Informatics Nursing Certification (RN-BC) by fulfilling several criteria, which include: - An active RN license - A bachelor’s degree or higher in a related discipline - At least two years of nursing experience - Completing 30 hours of continuing education in informatics nursing within the past three years
**Psychiatric Nurse Certifications:**
To qualify for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC), candidates must have: - An active RN license - Two years of full-time RN practice - A minimum of 2,000 hours in the psychiatric-mental health clinical practice in the last three years - Complete at least 30 hours of continuing education in mental health nursing within the previous three years
**Administrative Nursing Roles:**
The *Clinical Nurse Leader* role necessitates passing AACN’s Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) certification after completing an accredited CNL master’s or post-master’s program.
*Nurse Administrator Certifications* require ANCC Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification (NEA-BC) that demands an active RN license, a master’s degree, two years of executive experience, and continuing education hours.
In conclusion, the journey towards nursing certification can vary depending on professional goals. Participating in discussions with colleagues in related specialties can provide valuable insights. The certification landscape is rich with opportunities from respected organizations, ensuring that nurses have access to resources essential for their growth and development.
