To be or not to be… certified. Many nurses ask themselves that question. Seeking nursing certification can be a great way to advance your career, specialize in a field of particular interest to you, and set yourself apart from the competition. 

Like professionals in any other field, the best nurses continuously strive to learn and grow professionally. The American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) found in 2020 that at least 1,013,362 RNs hold one or more nursing specialty credentials, constituting approximately one-third of all R.N.s employed that year. 

Why Get a Nursing Certification?

There are many advantages to getting one – or more – nursing certifications. With certification comes the validation of one’s skills, knowledge, and abilities. Nurses benefit themselves, their patients, and work facilities by obtaining a nursing certification.

• Certified nurses feel more empowered, believe they offer patients better care and collaborate more effectively with others. Nurses also have perceived intrinsic value in obtaining certification in a specialty practice area. The certification process attempts to demonstrate that the nurse has exceeded the minimal standards and is highly competent in the subject area.

• Nurses also benefit financially from specialization. According to the BLS, R.N.s earn, on average, $77,600 annually, whereas APRNs earn $123,780 annually.

• Most Americans choose hospitals that employ many nurses with certifications when given the choice. 

• Some states and/or employers will require specific certifications for licensing or employment.  

The benefits for nurses and patients imply benefits for healthcare facilities, which strive to retain nurses, attract clients, and offer better services. 

When a Certification May Be Mandatory

While obtaining state licensure is mandatory for nursing practice, certain certifications are voluntary. For certain specialties, especially Advanced Practice Nursing roles, a certification might be closer to a requirement than a suggestion. Even for R.N.s, there may be at least one or two strongly recommended certifications, like the BLS or ACLS. Generally, the medical institution hiring you will inform you what type of certifications – if any – are mandatory for them. 

There is also a difference between board-certified nurses and nursing specialty certifications. Board certification essentially means that certification is required to be granted licensure. Such is the case of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. A state-level board of experts reviews an R.N.’s credentials and qualifications and decides whether or not they are eligible for an APRN license. 

Do all Nursing Certifications Require Experience?

Although many specializations may require an advanced degree or a minimum of clinical experience hours, there are also many certifications that newly graduated nurses can obtain. 

Some basic certifications that all nurses should consider pursuing include the following:

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) 

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) is another valuable certification for new nurses; the only prerequisite is a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. ACLS builds on basic life support skills by teaching nurses to recognize and act in cases of cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies. ACLS Academy course teaches the importance of high-performance team dynamics and communication, systems of care, recognition, and intervention of cardiopulmonary arrest, immediate post-cardiac arrest, acute dysrhythmia, stroke, and acute coronary syndromes (ACS).  The course focuses on the materials review, core competency, and hands-on demonstration and specifically covers: 

• Define systems of care. 

• Role of the rapid response team (RRT) or medical emergency team (MET) to improve patient outcomes.

• Recognize and manage Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), stroke, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest.

• Recognize bradycardia and tachycardias that may result in cardiac arrest.

• Perform early management of cardiac arrest until termination of resuscitation or transfer of care. 

• Evaluate resuscitative efforts.

• Certification is valid for two years

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) 

A PALS certification is excellent for any nurse interested in working in pediatrics. It also builds on the BLS skills that new nurses can otherwise obtain. Nurses with this certification are prepared to recognize and intervene in cases of emergencies with infants and children.  ACLS Academy PALS course covers the following: 

• Perform CPR on pediatric patients. 

• Recognize cardiopulmonary arrest and begin CPR within 10 seconds. 

• Differentiate between respiratory distress and failure and unstable and stable patients with arrhythmias.

• Perform early interventions for respiratory distress and failure and the treatment of shock.

• Implement post-cardiac arrest management. 

Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

Nurses interested in working in labor and delivery must obtain an NRP certification. In this program, nurses learn how to perform CPR on infants and how to help newborns breathe after birth. The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) is an educational program jointly sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Heart Association (AHA). The course has been designed to teach an evidence-based approach to newborn resuscitation to hospital staff who care for newborns during delivery, including physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists. Techniques taught in the course include:

• providing neonatal CPR

• drawing blood gasses

• providing positive pressure ventilation

• assisting with endotracheal tube insertion

• dosing neonatal medications

Since the inception of the NRP in 1987, over 3 million individuals in the United States and countless individuals abroad have been trained in NRP. 

The NRP credentialing process is a two-step process. First is the completion of the online program and testing. Secondly, an in-person skills session at an ALCS Academy classroom includes focused learning and evaluation stations.  NRP Provider cards are valid for two years.

Specialized nursing certifications can provide a competitive edge, expand your career options, increase earning potential, and contribute to professional growth and development. They also demonstrate your commitment to excellence and position you as an expert in your chosen area of nursing practice.

Why ALCS Academy?

ACLS Academy instructors have real-life experience in the skills and course material they teach. Our motto, “By Providers, For Providers,” is more than words.  We have assembled a network of instructors as passionate about educating others as they perform their full-time medical professional roles. Learn more about our instructors and their credentials, then decide to further your career and skills with a certification with an ALCS Academy course. We’ve got you covered.