Creating a Paradigm Shift Through the Development of an Exemplary, Supportive, Certification Process

Purpose:
The purpose of developing Certification Support System was to: Identify and remove barriers that have prevented nurses from becoming certified; Increase the professional practice of nursing;Increase certification awareness; increase the percentage of certified nurses and improve patient outcomes.

Relevance/Significance:
Nurse Certification in a specialty area is well known to be favorably correlated with nurse satisfaction and improved patient outcomes. Nurses reported barriers to certification included, confidence in exam preparation, time to prepare and financial implication of sitting for the exam. The hospital believed that certification was crucial in improving patient outcomes and also improving nurse confidence within their specialty area.

Strategy and Implementation:
The project leaders formally developed the CSS which included; Project proposal to hospital administration; Timeline development; Information sessions for clinical nurses related to the identified barriers and benefits to certification; pre and post information session questionnaires for the nurses to ascertain beliefs related to certification and cohort development to ensure group success. In addition, the project leaders hosted review sessions for the nurses to prepare for the exam, and worked with the nurses both individually and in groups to ensure that process for certification such as registration was being adhered to. Furthermore, the project leaders partnered with two large organizations who had newly established programs that allowed for the hospital to provide payment to the organizations directly. This alleviated the financial barrier previously identified. Upon passing the exam, the nurses were given a letter from the CNO applauding their commitment to professionalism

Evaluation:
Prior to the CSS certification in specialty areas fell below the benchmark. Most recently, the hospital's certification rate was 42% which is double the national average. Additionally the number of medical/surgical nurses certified through this program is 114 and 179 with all specialty areas. This program established the importance of specialty certification in all areas of practice

Implications for Practice:
This is a replicable framework, which eliminates perceived barriers to certification. It is low cost, high impact. The CSS also created a paradigm shift within the organization as professionalism has increased certification has become the norm