“So many certifications to choose from, but which one?” It’s something every nurse has asked. But why should nurses pursue further educational credentials even after gaining a master’s degree? As we’ve witnessed, the nursing industry has undergone massive changes due to automation and numerous other miracles introduced by artificial intelligence. Because of these changes, nurses can’t perform well without constantly improving their nursing acumen. That’s why many states require nurses to keep their academic journey ongoing. Gaining the certifications, we’ve mentioned below will help more RNs bolster their career-making endeavors in 2022. Let’s discuss some of the most excellent certifications here.
Nursing-related certifications 2022
Everyone should develop their capabilities professionally and obtain advanced competency levels to stay updated with the industry’s recent changes. That’s why nurses today are considering some excellent credentials in the form of nursing-related certifications. So they can become well-equipped with the kind of expertise employers are looking for in today’s COVID-affected age. Remember that certificates aren’t the focus of our attention here since non-official organizations can also issue these documents. We are only concerned with certifications, i.e., the documents issued by certifying boards after you have passed an examination. Here are some well-recommended certifications you should consider:
- FNP:
Family Nurse Practitioner
This certification is one of the most sought-after qualifications in nursing as FNPs serve as highly-qualified primary caregivers with prescription authority in 20+ states. The BLS expects this profession to grow by 45% this decade. So, many nurses wish to appear in the MCQs-based exam for becoming FNPs. Online courses are available to those RNs who wish to work and study at the same time. Suppose you are an RN and want to advance your education. In that case, go for a post master’s certificate nurse practitioner online to enhance your learning.
- BLS:
Basic Life Support
This certification permits nurses to treat patients suffering from heart attacks and other matters, e.g., choking and drowning. You can contact the AHA and the Red Cross to obtain this certification. Contrary to other certificates in this article, a nurse can take the exam for this document without having to meet any prerequisites. You will have to pay probably $100 for this certification. Then keep renewing the license after every two years. Since the guidelines regarding basic life support are susceptible to change.
- CEN:
Certified Emergency Nurse
To obtain this document, get in touch with the BCEN (Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing). It is advised that applicants have two years of emergency nursing experience. But a nurse could show up for the exam despite not having the requisite training. This certification shall prepare you to become the backbone of the emergency nursing discipline. You can work in emergency departments and cater to people wounded in accidents or in need of emergency caregiving today.
- PCCN:
Progressive Care Certified Nurse
The AACN (American Institute of Critical Care Nurses) issues this certification to people. After getting this document, nurses can become caregivers for seriously diseased patients. Your patients won’t be from ICU but will still require critical caregiving. To gain this certification, nurses must spend at least 1,750 hours directly caring for acutely ill patients. After that, you may appear in an examination for this certificate. Experts believe PCCN is a relatively flexible qualification to get!
- OCN:
Oncology Certified Nurse
We learn that almost 40% of people will be diagnosed with cancer. That’s why nurses focus on studying oncology and gaining relevant certificates issued by the ONCC. The Board is adamant that applicants have at least 2,000 hours of oncology practice gained in four years to appear in the examination. Before that, you must spend two years as an RN. After that, they require you to get 10 hours of oncology-related education. That’s why this certification is hard to get today.
- CPRN:
Certified Pediatric Nurse
For this document, nurses can contact the PNCB (Pediatric Nursing Certification Board). Don’t forget that pediatric nursing – the caregiving discipline focused on children – has become a crucial research subject in recent days. So, the Board requires you to have 1,800 hours of experience in your last two years of service. Then you can appear in the examination and pass it to obtain this certification. This document symbolizes your expertise in an amazing discipline within the healthcare institution.
- PALS:
Pediatric Advanced Life Support
Just as BLS deals with emergencies regarding , PALS deals with infants who need your help. So, gaining this certification will allow you to save children suffering from choking, drowning, and other problems. However, only BLS-certified nurses can appear in the exam! This two-day course will cost you $80 to $200, after which you shall pass the test to become a PALS-certified nurse. Like your BLS, this certification is also valid for two years. Hence, don’t forget to renew this license like your BLS.
- CCRN:-
Critical Care Registered Nurse
The AACN issues this certification and, as the name indicates, helps you become a crucial asset in the health industry. Experts consider CCRN one of the most difficult-to-obtain certifications in the discipline of nursing, and obtaining it makes you crème de la crème in your institution. You can’t gain this document without passing the examination and having the required experience. This experience is either 1,750 hours gained in two years or 2,000 hours gained in five years of service.
- CNE:
Certified Nurse Educator
Now, you can get this certification to become capable of educating other nurses. However, nurses must have a master’s degree at least to appear in the examination without some experience in teaching. However, there’s a lack of qualified nurse educators in the United States. So, many RNs are opting to become certified nurse educators. You can find work in various settings, such as nursing schools and medical institutions. That’s why we recommend CNE for those who love educating!
- PMHNP:
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Mental health problems aren’t uncommon in the United States, as every fifth American today has at least one mental health issue. That’s why some nurses choose to get this certification and help folks suffering from mental health dilemmas. Experts have described this field as broad and diverse since you get to observe several shades of mental illness. The requirements include at least 500 hours full of practice under expert supervision. Due to COVID-19, PMHNP has become lucrative among RNs.
Conclusion
We’ve discussed some of the most excellent certifications nurses should consider to hone their skills and advance their careers. Our certifications above ensure that modern-day nurses gain the academic expertise and hands-on experience employers are looking for in 2022. Remember that your career depends on gaining these certifications after you’ve finished your master’s degree. We included CEN, CNE, and OCN certifications in our recommendations.
Moreover, a mention was made of PALS, APRN, and PMHNP. You can just read the full form of these abbreviations in their respective sections. Just make sure that these certifications are necessary for a better career.
