Pros and Cons of Seeking Specialty Certification

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Running Head: Specialty Certification

Pros and Cons of Seeking Specialty Certification
Karen Konkel-DeClue
Fort Hays State University

Pros and Cons of Seeking Specialty Certification
Introduction
Specialty nursing certification is available for the registered nurse to show commitment to their area of practice. Specialty certification is usually not required by an employer, and the employer may or may not provide compensation for the additional knowledge obtained. A registered nurse (RN) may wish to pursue Specialty Certification for personal reasons, regardless of the recognition or salary that may potentially increase.
Advantages
Nursing specialty certification is well recognized as an important mechanism by which nurses validate their nursing knowledge, skills, and experience within a specific specialty area. (Ridge, 2008) The American Board of Nursing Specialties defines nursing specialty certification as “The formal recognition of specialized knowledge, skills, and experience demonstrated by the achievement of standards identified by a nursing specialty to promote optimal health outcomes”. (Miller, 2008) In obtaining specialized nursing certification, nurses gain personal accomplishment and satisfaction, professional growth, commitment and recognition, and specialized knowledge in their area of interest. Hospitals notice an increase in staff and patient statisfaction, decrease in staff turnover, decrease in job vacancies, decrease in errors and work-related accidents, and increased morale and knowledge in the nurses who attain Specialty Certification.
Overview of Specialty Certifications
Different organizations offer various certification, and most offer a reduced fee for the exam if the applicant is a member of the organization. The American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) and the National Commission for

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