Why More Nurses Are Getting Certified (And What It Actually Does for Your Career)
- My specialty certification has led to increased job satisfaction, a pay raise, and increased responsibilities.
- Becoming a CBC indicates to my colleagues my advanced skillset and expertise regarding breastfeeding.
- Magnet-designated hospitals have a strong desire to hire certified nurses.
Certification. Speciality certification. Continuing education. Constant learning. Great Nursing.
The path to becoming a great nurse is never linear. There are twists and turns, highs and lows, but there is one certain thing - learning never stops. As nurses, we are expected to continue to learn. This may be advancing your education and becoming a Nurse Practitioner or a Nurse Educator, or maybe just fulfilling the required CEUs to maintain your RN license. Whatever it is, learning never stops.
150+ Nurse Certifications
For some nurses, learning and becoming an expert in their speciality means earning a speciality certification. For a critical care nurse, it might mean taking the CCRN exam, or for an OR nurse, CRON. There are over 150 specialty nursing certifications allowing healthcare providers in essentially ANY nursing specialty to earn an advanced certification.
As a nurse of almost twenty years, I’ve constantly thought about what certification I should get next, or how, if I passed it, it would impact my career. While I was still working full-time in the NICU, I noticed a need at my hospital for breastfeeding experts. There was only one lactation consultant (IBCLC), and she was hardly around, especially when she was needed.
Why Get Certified
It was in the moments of sitting with a first-time mom, trying to help her breastfeed her baby, or guessing what size flange to use with the breast pump, that I realized there was a significant lapse in care. Pediatrics, especially neonatal nursing, is caring for the entire family, not just the patient.
Like most hospitals, the review course and certification exam were paid for because I was a full-time employee. However, the hospital also had expectations to put my certification to use. After successfully passing the national certification exam, I was considered an expert in breastfeeding and all that entails. There was a small catch. Because of my certification, the hospital used my specific skill set to conduct assessments of mothers and provide assistance as needed.
The Good, The Bad, The Importance
There are many good things about getting certified, but there are also a few cons. Some days, as nurses, we just want to go to work, keep our heads down, take care of our patients, and then go home. When you are certified, you don’t always have that luxury. Your coworkers and management recognize your expertise, but that also means they will come to you with questions. At times, it can feel like you are taking care of not only your patients but also others on the unit.
One major benefit to earning a certification is the pay bump. In most cases, it is only a few extra dollars an hour, which at first glance doesn't seem like much, but it does add up quickly. Unfortunately, in my current position, I do not get any additional pay because of my certification.
The Future
Now, those three little letters - CBC - don't carry as much weight in my career as they did 14 years ago when I first became certified, but it is still something I am immensely proud of. Something that I know I can utilize at any given time and something that can potentially help open doors. Wanna know a little secret? Magnet-designated hospitals LOVE certified nurses. This is an important little tidbit of information that may be essential when applying for a new position.
Would I get certified again - absolutely. Have I considered adding a few more initials after my name - 1000%. After this season of life, I look forward to pushing myself professionally and furthering my expertise.
🤔Nurses, are you certified or have you thought about obtaining a specialty certification? Share your thoughts below.
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