Recognition of Nursing Excellence

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.”

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

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

Nursing Certification Perception Employers Nearly 90% of nurse managers prefer hiring certified nurses over noncertified nurses. 58% stated that they see a positive performance difference in certified 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

Do you know the difference?

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 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 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

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

Intrinsic and Extrinsic 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 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

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

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

Patient Benefits The more knowledgeable the nurses, the better they can recognize problems and intervene appropriately resulting in fewer medical errors. ₉ Strengthens belief in nurse’s competency Increases trust in organization’s credibility Ensures optimal health outcomes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celebrate Certified Nurses Day™ Annual day to recognize certified nurses Created by American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) & American Nurses Association (ANA)

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

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.

References 1. Stromberg MF, Niebuhr B, Prevost S, Fabrey L, Muenzen P, Spence C, et al. Specialty certification more than a title. Nursing Management. 2005;36(5): Niebuhr B, Biel M. The value of specialty nursing certification. Nursing Outlook. 2007;55(4): Harris Interactive, Inc., American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Survey Accessed on April 5, Cary AH. Certified registered nurses: results of the study of the certified workforce. American Journal of Nursing. 2001;101(1): Piazza IM, Donahue M, Dykes PC, Griffin MQ, Fitzpatrick JJ. Differences in perceptions of empowerment among nationally certified and noncertified nurses. Journal of Nursing Administration. 2006;36(5): Mee CL. Salary survey. Nursing. 2006;36(10): Stromberg MF, Niebuhr B, Prevost S, Fabrey L, Muenzen P, Spence C, et al. Specialty certification more than a title. Nursing Management. 2005;36(5): Harris Interactive, Inc., American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Survey Accessed on April 5, Redd ML, Alexander JW. Does certification mean better performance? Nursing Management. 1997;28(2): Hader Salary Survey Nursing Management. 2005;36(7):18-27.