Once you graduate from an accredited registered nurse (RN) training program, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, your professional development does not have to stop. Depending on your career goals, there are several options for continuing your education and advancing your skills to demonstrate your dedication and prepare to grow in your field.
Nursing certifications show that nurses have knowledge, skills, and experience in specific areas of nursing, enhancing their professional credibility. Earning these certifications can also contribute to feelings of personal accomplishment.
RN Nursing Certifications
Registered nurses interested in advancing their careers by earning credentials have a variety of certifications to choose from. Many employers prefer that RNs have specialty credentials when applying for certain specialized positions. Among the most popular include critical care, HIV/AIDS, pediatrics, anesthesia, and oncology nursing certifications. Nurses typically need to hold current RN licensure, have some experience in the specialty field, and pass a certification exam to gain the credential.
1. Emergency Nursing
The certified emergency nurse (CEN) credential is offered to qualified RNs by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). RNs who have obtained certification in emergency nursing specialize in providing care to patients in urgent and critical situations, such as respiratory distress, allergic reactions, strokes, seizures, or traumatic injuries. These nurses excel in triaging patients, managing emergencies, and providing rapid and efficient care in emergency departments.
2. Acute/Critical Care Nursing
The critical care RN (CCRN) certification program is offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). This certification is for nurses who want to specialize in providing care to patients who are critically or acutely ill. These RNs work in intensive care, trauma, or cardiac care units within hospitals, as well as in trauma centers or critical care transport. To sit for the CCRN exam, applicants must hold an RN or advanced practice RN (APRN) license and have completed a specific number of hours in direct critical or acute care in recent years.
3. Addictions Nursing
Certified addictions registered nurses (CARNs) are trained to assess, treat, and support individuals dealing with a variety of substance misuse conditions. Their expertise in addiction science and evidence-based interventions helps them deliver specialized, compassionate care to patients. These nurses must have RN licensure and experience in addictions nursing roles to sit for the certification exam, which is offered by the Addictions Nursing Certification Board (ANCB).
4. HIV/AIDS Nursing
The HIV/AIDS certified registered nurse (ACRN) certification is offered by the HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board (HANCB). Nurses who work with HIV/AIDS patients can earn this certification to demonstrate that they are trained in areas such as pathophysiology, family dynamics, and care of immunocompromised patients. These nurses often work in specialty clinics or hospitals. Applicants need to have an RN license and two years of work experience in the field.
5. Perioperative Nursing
RNs who have earned the certified perioperative nurse (CNOR) credential from the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) have received advanced training in surgical principles, aseptic techniques, and patient safety measures within the perioperative setting. With expertise in working in a variety of surgical environments, these RNs play a crucial role in coordinating and delivering comprehensive care to patients undergoing surgery.
6. Pediatric Nursing
Nurses who work in pediatric clinics or hospitals can obtain a certified pediatric nurse (CPN) credential through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). A pediatric nurse certification demonstrates knowledge and skills in the care of children, adolescents, and young adults. RNs are eligible for the exam after earning an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in nursing and completing a certain number of clinical hours in pediatric care.
7. Oncology Nursing
Nurses who have an RN license and work experience in the cancer care field can apply to sit for the oncology certified nurse (ONC) exam. The oncology nurse certification is offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), which also offers credentials in specialized areas, such as pediatric oncology, breast care, blood and marrow transplant, and advanced oncology.
8. Anesthesia Nursing
APRNs who hold a master’s degree in anesthesia care and have experience working in critical care can qualify to earn a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) credential. CRNAs provide anesthetics for a variety of procedures performed in hospitals and surgery centers. This certification is offered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
Complete a Nurse Training Program and Pursue a Specialty Nurse Certification
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that employment of RNs is projected to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032, outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations combined. The BLS also projects that demand for healthcare services, including those provided by RNs with one or more nurse certifications, will increase during and beyond that reporting period, based on the increased healthcare needs of the aging U.S. population.
The first step toward becoming a specialty certified nurse is to complete an accredited nurse training program, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing program from Fortis. The program’s comprehensive curriculum is designed to provide small-group learning in both the classroom and clinical environments.
Are you ready to start your educational journey toward becoming a specialty certified nurse? The nursing programs at Fortis can help put you on your path. Call us today at (855) 436-7847 to speak with one of our career counselors.
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