ASTNA

The importance of certification 

I just returned from another great Critical Care Transport Medical Conference. The offerings this year included clinical topics such as the management of the overdose patient, the difficult airway, and flight physiology. It was in a very relaxed atmosphere on the cruise ship Paradise, and although the turnout was small, it was very successful. The smaller classes and relaxed atmosphere fostered an environment that allowed participants to get to know one another. I enjoyed the opportunity to dine each evening with new friends and colleagues. Thanks to all for the hard work and dedication to provide exceptional educational opportunities to the associations.

The closing topic presented at the conference outlined the importance of certification within your discipline. I hadn't put much thought into why I obtained the certification (CFRN) until after I heard this presentation. I began my flight nursing career in the fall of 1989. My plans were to get some time under my belt, take the flight nurse advance trauma course, and sit for the CFRN exam. Maybe it was just a given because of my personality; I'm an overachiever who is very driven. It wasn't a requirement for the position or really emphasized at the program for which I worked. It was a personal goal that I set for myself. As a young nurse I looked for any opportunity to prepare myself for the unique challenges that I knew were ahead.

Over the years, I have been asked numerous times by nursing students and seasoned nurses, “What do I need to do to become a flight nurse?” My standard reply was, “Finish your degree and get as much experience as possible in the ER and critical care settings. In your spare time obtain as many certifications and credentials as possible. Set goals for yourself. Look at every opportunity as a learning experience that will bring you closer to your dream of becoming a flight nurse.”

So where does certification fit into the mix? Aside from the knowledge gained during the preparation, it speaks to the individual and the service that promotes the process. Quoting Tancy Stanbery, MSEd, Certification Officer (BCEN), “The CEN and CFRN certifications not only enhance the career of the individual passing the exams, these certifications also benefit emergency care organizations to ensure best practices and standards…” So why aren't there greater numbers of certified flight nurses and certified emergency nurses? What are some of the obstacles that prevent nurses from obtaining certification within their discipline? After the BCEN interviewed nurses about why they are not pursuing certification, a set of common obstacles emerged.

How can we help nurses overcome some of the obstacles that exist? Suggestions from the information collected from BCEN included financial stipulations. If employees pass the exam, they are reimbursed the cost of the exam. Another possible incentive is to incorporate the successful completion of the certification as part of a clinical ladder. One facility interviewed added a monetary value to obtaining and maintaining the certification within their area of practice.

Providing an educational offering in conjunction with the associations meetings may also persuade greater participation. Nurses may be more apt to travel to a remote site for a meeting if a free CEU offering was given that pertained to their area of practice.

These are just a few creative incentives used to encourage our colleagues to obtain their specialty certification. The benefits are apparent. Although the certification is at the discretion of the individual, the increased knowledge base obtained from the process and preparation is always beneficial to the patients entrusted to our care.