Why Get A Nurse Certification?
Education plays a critical role in any nursing career. From CEU hours to nurse certifications that add credentials to your name, taking the initiative outside of your shift to learn more can make a big difference in your career.
5 Reasons to Get a Nurse Certification
Whether you're looking to wow your employer or put patients' minds at ease, here are five reasons to invest time and effort into a nurse certificate.
1. Increase confidence in your own skills
Studies have shown that nursing skills that are validated through certification boost RN confidence in their own decision-making, which can help you perform better on the job.
Karen S. Kesten, DNP, RN, APRN, CCRN-K, CCNS, CNE, associate professor at George Washington University School of Nursing in Washington, says that nurses who are certified are more likely to be confident in the care they provide patients.
Up-to-date education lets you know you're providing best practices and helps you create an environment where safety and quality care are paramount.
2. Demonstrate your competency to patients
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses also cites a number of other studies that demonstrate how nurse certification benefits patients. First, critically ill patients and their families can enjoy peace of mind knowing their nurse is specifically trained for the job at hand.
Second, the AACN notes that the majority of the public knows that a nursing certification is an option, and knowing that RNs took the time to achieve that education makes trust in the provider and the process more likely.
3. Show employers your dedication to nursing
Ainslie Nibert, Ph.D, Dean of Nursing at the Institute of Health Sciences Houston, says RNs who achieve certificates "show their employers that they are prepared to move up to levels of greater responsibility within their organizations and are ready to make enhanced contributions that maintain a sound level of clinical practice within their areas of specializations."
Nurse certifications let employers know you're equipped to do your job, but also that you might be a good fit for jobs a level up. That positions you for potential promotions.
4. Earn more money
More knowledge, experience and credentials can help you earn higher pay.
Specialization in certain areas via certificates lets you seek higher-paying work in niches such as dialysis nursing, oncology, or neonatal care.
5. Increase the value of your resume
Nurse certifications are a great way to add value to your resume. They immediately tell prospective employers that you're dedicated and where your niche skills might be. With recruiters looking for both polished professionalism and a desire to grow, according to the American Nursing Association, a nurse certification checks a lot of boxes.
Now that you know why nurse certification is important, consider looking into this next step in your RN education.
The most valuable nursing certification for you is one that aligns with your career goals and helps you step forward with confidence as you take on new responsibilities or seek a different position.
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