The Nuts & Bolts of Certification A How-to Guide Nursing Education and Professional Development Council

Nursing Education and Professional Development Council The Council has collaboratively put this information together to assist Loyola Nurses on the “road” to certification.

Personal Statements About Certification Certification…. “Gave me confidence in my practice.” “Helped me go towards my master’s degree.” “I wanted to be certified to validate my knowledge. I studied maternal-newborn for 6 months. I was a nurse for 23 years and I wanted to learn the latest trends. Being validated by a recognized body was what I needed for me to feel good when I taught new grads.”

Organizational Goals for Certification To increase the number of certified RNs at Loyola in accordance with the standards required by Magnet and goals set by Nursing Education and Professional Development Council …… a unit that has < 75% certified RNs – certification percentages will be increased by 10% per year for that unit. a unit that has > 75% certified RNs - certification percentages will be increased by 2% per year for that unit. a unit has > 90% certified RNs - certification percentages will be maintained.

Become a more active member of your profession…. Check out a conference. If you would like inspiration to be the best nurse that you can be, participate in a conference in your specialty. Networking – from unit based to local, regional and national groups. Participate in unit based projects. Review evidence-based practices within your field. Become a certified professional.

Step 1- Fact Finding Mission Take a look at the MAGNET list of approved certifications under Certification in the Nursing at Loyola website. Determine what certification applies to your area of expertise. Determine requirements for certification in your specialty. Check out the specialty’s website for this information. Consider joining certifying body, if available– i.e. AORN, AACN, ANA.

Step 2 – Identify Resources Contact Unit Certification Resource Nurse – There is a resource for every unit in the hospital to help you on the road to certification. Contact other certified nurses for suggestions, helpful hints, suggested review courses and materials. Check out the Education & Professional Development Council’s link on certification. Encourage your colleagues to take a review course – and get it sponsored on campus. Explore possibilities for group study. Find a test buddy.

Step 3 - Preparation Begin with an assessment test if available to identify strengths and weaknesses. What areas do you need to concentrate your studies? What kind of preparation will you need?

Step 4 – Obtain Resources Get the books, tapes, review tests, etc. Register for an online course if needed. Make a study timeline.

Step 5 – Set A Date Commit to take the test by a certain target date.

Step 6 – Final Details Make it a goal on your performance evaluation. Certification makes you eligible to apply for Clinical Ladder 4. Study……study….study.

Step 7 - Testing Then go for it…take the test. Some tests are pencil and paper. Some tests are computerized. Some give you a choice…

Step 8 - Reimbursement Apply for stipend Up to $300 reimbursement for - Review course material -Testing fee - National conference

Summary Start with your fact-finding mission Identify resources Preparation Obtain resources Commit to take the test Set target date Study Take the test

Check out Loyola’s Nursing Certification Resources Please contact any Nursing Education and Professional Development council member for any assistance with certification. Nursing Education and Professional Development Council Certification Committee: Diane Stace Sharon McHugh Lisa Coy

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