March 19th marks Certified Nurses Day, an annual celebration that rightfully acknowledges nurses who have gone the extra mile to enhance their professional expertise through certification. With over 3.8 million nurses in the United States, nursing stands as one of the largest and most impactful professions, influencing society on a broad scale.

Highlighting the significant contribution of these professionals, it's worth noting that there are over 200 nursing specialties and subspecialties, showcasing the field's intricate nature. As the medical landscape continues to evolve, nurses consistently strive for excellence and superior patient care by pursuing certification in one or more of these specialized areas. Today, let's express gratitude and recognition for the dedicated efforts of these men and women who have attained professional certifications in their commitment to advancing healthcare.

History and Origins of National Certified Nurses Day

1. Creation of the Day:

   • National Certified Nurses Day was established in 2008 by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Nurses Association (ANA). The date, March 19th, was chosen to honor Dr. Margretta "Gretta" Madden Styles, a renowned nursing leader and educator who was instrumental in advancing the certification process for nurses. Dr. Styles, often referred to as the "Mother of Nurse Credentialing," was born on March 19th, 1930.

2. Dr. Margretta Styles:

   • Dr. Margretta Styles was a pioneering advocate for nursing certification and credentialing. Her work emphasized the importance of professional standards and the need for nurses to demonstrate their competence through certification. She was a key figure in the development of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and played a significant role in shaping the modern certification process for nurses.

3. Purpose:

   • The primary purpose of National Certified Nurses Day is to recognize the efforts of certified nurses who have pursued additional education, training, and certification to provide the highest level of care to their patients. The day also promotes the value of certification in enhancing patient outcomes and advancing the nursing profession.

Significance of National Certified Nurses Day

National Certified Nurses Day holds significance for several reasons:

1. Recognizing Excellence in Nursing:

   • The day is dedicated to recognizing the achievements of certified nurses who have demonstrated their commitment to excellence in their specialty areas. Certification signifies that a nurse has met rigorous standards and possesses advanced knowledge and skills in a particular area of nursing.

2. Promoting Professional Development:

   • National Certified Nurses Day encourages all nurses to pursue certification as a way to enhance their professional development, improve patient care, and advance their careers. It highlights the importance of continuous learning and staying current with best practices in healthcare.

3. Highlighting Patient Care:

   • Certified nurses play a critical role in improving patient outcomes by providing specialized, evidence-based care. The day emphasizes the positive impact that certified nurses have on the quality of care provided to patients across various healthcare settings.

4. Inspiring Future Nurses:

   • By celebrating the achievements of certified nurses, National Certified Nurses Day serves as an inspiration to nursing students and early-career nurses. It encourages them to strive for excellence and consider pursuing certification in their chosen specialty.

What is Nursing Certification?

1. Definition:

   • Nursing certification is a voluntary process by which a nurse validates their knowledge, skills, and competencies in a specific area of nursing practice. Certification is typically obtained through a professional organization that offers certification exams in various specialties.

2. Certification Process:

   • To become certified, a nurse must meet eligibility criteria, which often include a certain number of hours of clinical practice in the specialty area, continuing education, and passing a certification exam. Once certified, nurses must maintain their certification through continuing education and periodic recertification exams.

3. Types of Nursing Certifications:

   • There are numerous nursing certifications available across a wide range of specialties, including but not limited to:
     • Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
     • Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN)
     • Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
     • Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
     • Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)
     • Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
     • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

4. Benefits of Certification:

   • Certification offers several benefits, including:
     • Validation of expertise and advanced knowledge in a specialty area.
     • Increased confidence and job satisfaction.
     • Enhanced career opportunities and potential for higher earnings.
     • Recognition by peers, employers, and patients as a highly qualified professional.
     • Improved patient outcomes through specialized, evidence-based care.

How to Celebrate National Certified Nurses Day

There are many ways to celebrate National Certified Nurses Day, whether you are a nurse, a healthcare professional, or simply someone who wants to show appreciation for the work of certified nurses:

1. Recognize Certified Nurses:

   • Healthcare organizations can recognize and celebrate their certified nurses by hosting events, giving out certificates of appreciation, or highlighting their achievements in newsletters and on social media. Acknowledging the hard work and dedication of certified nurses boosts morale and encourages others to pursue certification.

2. Encourage Certification:

   • Encourage nurses who have not yet earned certification to consider pursuing it. Provide information about the certification process, available resources, and potential benefits. Healthcare organizations can also offer support, such as funding for certification exams or providing study materials.

3. Share Stories of Certified Nurses:

   • Share stories of certified nurses who have made a difference in patient care. These stories can be shared through social media, newsletters, or internal communications to inspire others and highlight the impact of certification on patient outcomes.

4. Host Educational Sessions:

   • Organize educational sessions or workshops that focus on the benefits of certification, the process of becoming certified, and the importance of continuing education. These sessions can be valuable for nurses at all stages of their careers.

5. Thank a Certified Nurse:

   • Take the time to personally thank a certified nurse for their dedication and commitment to patient care. Whether it’s a colleague, friend, or family member, expressing gratitude for their hard work can make a meaningful difference.

6. Promote Certification on Social Media:

   • Use social media to raise awareness about National Certified Nurses Day and the importance of nursing certification. Share posts that celebrate certified nurses, provide information about certification, and encourage others to join the conversation using hashtags like #CertifiedNursesDay or #NursesWeek.

7. Explore Certification Options:

   • If you’re a nurse considering certification, use National Certified Nurses Day as an opportunity to explore your options. Research different certifications that align with your career goals and start planning your path toward certification.

8. Support Continuing Education:

   • Continuing education is a critical component of maintaining certification. Support certified nurses in their ongoing education efforts by providing access to courses, conferences, and other learning opportunities.

Fun Facts About Nursing Certification

• Growing Trend: Nursing certification is becoming increasingly popular, with more nurses seeking certification to enhance their skills and career prospects. There are now over 200 different nursing certifications available in the United States.

• Global Recognition: Some nursing certifications are recognized internationally, allowing nurses to work in specialized roles around the world.

• First Certification Program: The first nursing certification program in the United States was established in 1945 by the American Nurses Association (ANA) for nurse midwives.

• Impact on Patient Care: Studies have shown that hospitals with a higher percentage of certified nurses have better patient outcomes, including lower mortality rates and fewer complications.

• Certification Milestones: Many nurses celebrate certification milestones, such as their 5th, 10th, or 20th anniversaries of being certified, which reflect their long-term commitment to excellence in their specialty.

Conclusion

National Certified Nurses Day is an important observance that recognizes the dedication, expertise, and professionalism of certified nurses across the United States. By celebrating the achievements of these nurses, the day highlights the critical role they play in delivering high-quality patient care and advancing the nursing profession. Whether through recognition, education, or support, National Certified Nurses Day encourages all nurses to strive for excellence and to consider certification as a pathway to personal and professional growth.