Recognition of Nursing Excellence

1. The Value of Certification Recognition of Nursing Excellence

2. What Is Certification? • Certification is defined by the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) as “the formal recognition of specialized knowledge, skills and experience demonstrated by achievement of standards identified by a nursing specialty to promote optimal health outcomes.”

3. Nursing Certification Purpose • Establishes a professional standard for qualified nurses • Demonstrates commitment to particular specialty • Establishes a level and breadth of knowledge and skill • Validates experience

4. Nursing Certification Purpose • Increases credibility • Strengthens public trust and patient confidence • Recertification requirements ensure exposure to latest developments • Increases the value of nurses to employers and patients

5. Nursing Certification Perception • Employers • Nearly 90% of nurse managers prefer hiring certified nurses over noncertified nurses.₁ • Peers • More than 80% of people agree that certification promotes recognition from peers and other health professionals.₂ • Public • 73% of patients are more likely to select a hospital that employs a high percentage of nurses with an additional specialty certification.₃

6. Certification vs. Certificate Do you know the difference?

7. Certification vs. Certificate • Generally narrowly focused, covers subset of knowledge • Usually open to anyone – newcomers and professionals • No third-party involvement; administered and created by and within specific organization • Awarded certificate, only recognized within specific organization • Generally covers comprehensive, broad-based scope of practice • Strict eligibility criteria and a solid knowledge of practice • Complies with national standards, approved by third-party entity • Portable, nationally recognized, earned credential

8. Certification vs. Certificate • Primary focus is on assessment of one’s knowledge, skills, and competencies • Ongoing process that requires continuing education or re-examination to maintain certification • Primary focus is on education and training with intent to achieve specific learning outcomes • Once candidates successfully complete program, a certificate is awarded

9. As of January 2001, nurses in the U.S. and Canada held more than 410,000 certifications in 134 specialties, granted by 67 different certifying organizations, and at least 95 different credentials designate these certifications.₄

10. Nurse Benefits Intrinsic and Extrinsic Rewards

11. Intrinsic Rewards • Personal and professional accomplishment • Nurses who are certified have higher perceptions of empowerment and therefore improve work effectiveness.₅ • Demonstrates commitment to the nursing profession • Verifies level of clinical competence

12. Intrinsic Rewards • Increases professional autonomy • Opens doors to professional growth opportunities • Increases compensation • Nurses who reported being certified in a specialty made $9,200 more annually than nurses who weren’t certified.₆

13. Extrinsic Rewards • Increases employer recognition and appreciation • 74% of nurse managers gave one or more incentives to promote and recognize specialty nursing certification.₇ • Promotes recognition from peers and other healthcare professionals • Strengthens patient confidence

14. Extrinsic Rewards • Confirms patient awareness of certification - 78% of Americans are aware that nurses can become certified--higher than the certification awareness of teachers, physicians, and accountants.₈

15. Patient Benefits

16. Patient Benefits • Certification is linked with quality patient care and reduction in medical errors.₉ • Strengthens belief in nurse’s competency • Increases trust in organization’s credibility • Ensures optimal health outcomes

17. Employer Benefits

18. Employer Benefits • Responds to public preference and demand • Increases patient confidence • Maintains a stable and highly skilled workforce • Sets standard when recruiting new nurses • Reduces liability • Decreases in-house training time

19. Employer Benefits • Shows support for continued education • Demonstrates commitment to professional development • Influence to apply for distinction from notable healthcare organizations such as American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition® Program

20. ANCC Magnet Recognition® • Highest and most prestigious international distinction a healthcare organization or hospital can receive for nursing excellence and outstanding patient care.

21. ANCC Magnet Recognition® • In U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 annual showcase of "America's Best Hospitals," 15 of the top 21 (71%) medical centers are Magnet-recognized organizations. • Nurse leaders in Magnet hospitals earn more (4.8%) than their colleagues in non-Magnet facilities.10

22. Reward Your Certified Nurses

23. Financial Support • Offer a bonus or increased salary to certified nurses • Provide reimbursement for certification expenses • Supply funding for study materials and continuing education requirements

24. Personal and Public Recognition • Mail letter of congratulations and appreciation • Publicly display certificates • Create “Wall of Distinction” • Organize celebratory luncheon • Include credentials on nurses’ badges, business cards, and other published material

25. Celebrate Certified Nurses Day™ • Annual day to recognize certified nurses Created by American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) & American Nurses Association (ANA) http://www.certifiednursesday.org/

26. Certification is a critical component in the healthcare environment, providing benefits to nurses, patients, and employers.

27. About INCC • Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation (INCC) offers the Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI®) credential--the only nationally recognized and accredited certification for infusion nursing. • INCC is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC), formerly the ABNS Accreditation Council and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). • INCC is committed to providing a program of high quality, supporting continuing infusion nursing education and research and promoting optimal patient outcomes. www.incc1.org 800-434-INCC

28. References • American Board of Nursing Specialties Survey, 2002. • American Board of Nursing Specialties, Survey of Certified and Noncertified Nurses, 2005. • Harris Interactive, Inc., American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Survey, 2002. • American Journal of Nursing, Results of study of certified workforce, 2001. • Journal of Nursing Administration May 2006. • Nursing Journal, January, 2006. • American Board of Nursing Specialties Survey, 2002. • Harris Interactive, Inc., American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Survey, 2002. • American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. • Nursing Management Salary Survey, 2005.