Nursing certification...raising the bar

Purpose:
Specialty Certification serves as validation to nurses of their expert knowledge and clinical skills. One Midwestern Pediatric Magnet facility, recognizing the significance of this recognition, has committed to supporting nurses in attaining certification through the provision of time and resources.

Significance:
An organization's commitment to professional development corroborates nursing's contribution to the healthcare team. While specialty certification brings recognition to the individual nurse, high levels of certification represents the quality of nursing and care delivery within the organization.

Strategy and Implementation:
The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) serves as the facility's primary certifying body. A relationship has been established with PNCB to facilitate participation in the Certified Pediatric Nurse exam. The hospital hosts the written exam 3 times/yr and participates in the Institutional Competency Assessment Plan (ICAP™). ICAP™ lets nurses register online for a written or computer-based exam and bills the organization directly. If the nurse does not pass the exam, they may retake it at no additional charge to the hospital. For certifications not offered through PNCB, the facility reimburses for exam and recertification expenses. The hospital awards certification pay to specialty certified nurses. In addition, certification is required for the 3 upper tiers of the clinical ladder, with compensation based on achievement level. The facility hosts onsite review courses. Nurses within the organization have also established study groups to support peers in obtaining certification.

Evaluation:
The hospital has experienced remarkably high certification rates, including recognition as the first organization with over 500 PNCB certified nurses. Over 48% of direct care nurses are certified, significantly exceeding other NDNQI Magnet Pediatric units with mean rates ranging from 18-27.21%.

Implications for Practice:
Certification substantiates patients, families, and healthcare colleagues' confidence in the nurse's expertise. By supporting nurses in obtaining certification through financial and physical resources, organizations are able to deliver exemplary nursing care and further enhance patient outcomes.