Nursing is more than a profession; it is a calling. It requires a lot of dedication, compassion and an enormous commitment to lifelong learning. So as impressive as becoming a registered nurse (RN) is on its own, it’s just the beginning for most people as they advance in their careers through extra certifications and licenses. These credentials can sharpen your skills, make it possible for you to qualify for higher-paying jobs and enable you to specialize in specific subjects you are interested in.
You will broaden your horizons, enhance your resume and, most importantly, become an even better nurse for your patients. Whether you are a newcomer or have been in the field for a while, these certifications and licenses provide significant support to move your career to the next level.
Let’s go even further, so you know exactly where to begin.
Practice Across State Lines: Compact Nursing License
So, first things first. If you’re not licensed, there is no way for you to work as a nurse. But what if you want to travel to different states and work? This is where a compact nursing license (CNL) can help. It allows for practice in any state which is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). You won’t need to apply for a license in each and every state.
This is very useful for:
- Travel nurses
- Telehealth nurses
- Nurses intending to move states in the future
Here’s what you generally need to qualify:
- Live in a participating compact state
- Hold an active RN license
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
- Pass a criminal history check
It’s an incredible way to have more freedom and more career opportunities from the outset.
BLS (Basic Life Support) Class
Once you have your license, you should immediately get your BLS. This is a required certification for almost any nurse, regardless of where you’re working or your specialty. Why? Because BLS is where you learn the lifesaving fundamentals:
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) combined with early defibrillation
- How to help a choking patient
- How to use an AED
Most employers deliver the training themselves or team up with groups such as the American Heart Association. BLS certification is good for two years so you’ll need to remember to keep it up to date. It’s simple stuff but those are the skills that save lives when seconds count.
ACLS Certification
If you’re considering working in critical care, emergency rooms or cardiac units, ACLS is a necessity. It’s a natural next step from BLS and it gets you further. You’ll learn:
- Advanced airway management
- Skills to care for patients with cardiac arrest and stroke
- How to read ECGs
Earning this certification means you are prepared to manage some very serious life-threatening emergencies. ACLS certification, like BLS, has to be renewed every two years.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification or PALS
Love working with kids? Then PALS is a must. Emergencies mean something different for kids and babies. PALS will teach you how you can manage emergencies related to children and infants. You’ll be trained in:
- Pediatric assessments
- How to manage a kid’s breathing
- Teamwork and communication that work in a crisis
Who is PALS for? It’s for people working in:
- Pediatric units
- Emergency departments
- Pediatric intensive care units
The certification won’t just make you a better professional; it will make you qualified for these specialized pediatric jobs.
Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Certification
The CEN certification focuses on monitoring the needs and responses of patients in emergency departments.
It’s geared toward nurses who work in emergency settings, and gets you ready for any type of high-pressure scenario. You’ll learn about:
- Trauma care
- Cardiac and respiratory emergencies
- Response and preparedness to disaster
This certification can train you for any kind of emergency that arrives in the ER. This can lead to promotions, and specialization in emergency nursing.
Other Certifications and Specialties
The nursing field has so many specialties you can go into. Here are just a few examples:
- CNOR or Certified Nurse Operating Room: It focuses on patient safety and perioperative care.
- Oncology Certified Nurse: For those who seek a job working with oncology patients and are ready to learn the intricacies of cancer care.
- Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN): Great for nurses who administer end-of-life care. You will specialize in pain control, stress reduction and ethical care choices.
These specialty certifications will also help you design your career according to your interests and strengths, making you an even more valuable and versatile healthcare worker.
Why Should You Get More Certifications?
You’re probably thinking, ‘Do I really need more certifications?’ The answer is: only if you care about gaining more experience, increasing your confidence, and delivering the best care possible to your patients. Here’s why they are so worth it:
- They give you more career options.
- They often mean a better paycheck.
- They sometimes make you more competitive in an extremely crowded field.
- They let you focus on what you really want to do.
To put it simply, it’s not just about making your resume stand out. They’re about becoming a good nurse.
So whether you’re a new nurse fresh out of school or a seasoned veteran looking for a next-level career move, certifications and licenses are the key to unlocking those new opportunities. Nursing is one of those few fields in which you’re always learning and that’s definitely a good thing. It helps keep you sharp, prepared and capable of delivering top quality care.
It’s worth considering which certifications are right for your long-term career goals. Now that you have a sense of what direction you want to take, begin charting your path toward professional development. Your patients will benefit, your career will rise, and you’ll be able to take pride in the fact that you’ve gone above and beyond.
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