June 21, 2022
Nursing is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling professions out there. While most people start their nursing careers right after they graduate, others continue their learning experience and look toward certifications and accelerated nursing programs that help them progress in their field.
Nursing certifications are always beneficial, but they are even more helpful for nurses who have recently graduated or haven't spent more than five years on the job. You may also explore special certifications and courses to switch to a specialized nursing position, such as an emergency nurse, neonatal nurse, nursing assistant, or mental health nurse.
This article covers some of the best post-school nursing certifications primarily directed toward those who have recently graduated from nursing school or have recently joined the workforce.
General Nursing Certifications for Early Career Nurses
General nursing certifications help nurses progress their careers through courses that offer professional licenses. These certifications may take longer, and you might have to check your eligibility before registering for any of them.
1. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses have obtained their master's or doctoral degrees and can pursue more specialized and senior roles in the healthcare industry. After getting your APRN, you can enter the following specialties: a clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, and certified nurse-midwife.
Therefore, you can opt for the APRN certification after a Master of Science in Nursing and an RN license. Following their completion, you will also have to pass a certification exam from the American Nurses Association or an accredited body.
2. Basic Life Support (BLS)
The Basic Life Support (BLS) certification equips you with the skills required to provide life support to cardiac arrest victims, asphyxiation, or drowning. It provides you with resuscitation and CPR training to help you save lives. It is perfect for new graduates because it doesn't have any prerequisites. Plus, it is highly sought-after for most jobs in the healthcare industry.
You can obtain the BLS certification from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. You will have to renew it every two years.
3. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is especially for nurses who work with children. It equips you to deal with emergencies in infants and children, thus helping you provide them with life support during an emergency. PALS also covers skills and information taught in the BLS certification, which makes it a prerequisite.
The PALS certification can be obtained after a two-day course, followed by a written and practical exam. You will have to renew your certification after two years.
4. Telehealth Nursing Certification
If you are interested in pursuing a career in telehealth and virtual healthcare, you can check out several online nursing programs, including the Telehealth Nursing Certification. It helps you learn all the concepts and tools involved in using technology for online healthcare.
Generally, telehealth nursing jobs don't require any certification. Several institutions prefer if you have the skills needed to undertake this responsibility. The Telehealth Nursing Certification is valid for five years.
5. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
CNAs provide a ground-level foundation for a healthcare or nursing facility. A CNA helps patients with primary care and wellbeing tasks, including assistance with hygiene, taking vital signs, changing clothes, and assisting patients with exercises. You may also use this certification as a stepping stone to other positions, including RNs.
The only precondition for pursuing a CNA certification is a high school diploma or equivalent. If you do not have this diploma, you will have to complete your GED. However, if you have graduated high school, you should meet the basic requirements for a CNA education.
Specialized Nursing Certifications for Early Career Nurses
Now that you have glanced through general nursing certifications let's also explore some of the specialized nursing certifications that early-career nurses can benefit from.
1. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
If you want to specialize and work in prenatal and postnatal care, you can benefit from becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife, which can help you learn how to assist doctors with safe deliveries. CNMs are much more advanced in their careers than labor and delivery nurses, and they are also known as advanced nurse practitioners.
To fulfill the Certified Nurse Midwife certification, you will have to complete the nurse-midwifery program, accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Following this, you will have to pass the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMBC) exam.
2. Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)
Nurses who work in the Oncology department must have a specialized certification, which makes them able to help cancer patients receive treatment and progress toward remission. They assist patients with medication and alleviating their symptoms and explain the different options of treatment that are available to them. Moreover, they are responsible for communicating with the patients' families during treatment.
To apply for the Oncology Certified Nurse examination, you will need 1,000 hours of oncology RN experience. The exam will cover oncology nursing practice, symptom management, palliative care, and much more. The certification is valid for four years, and it can take your career to the next level.
Read More: Six of the Highest-Paying Nursing Jobs that Require Additional Certification
How to Choose a Suitable Post-School Certification After Graduation?
Here are some tips to help you decide which post-school certification to pursue.
1. Choose Certifications to Address Your Weaknesses
If there was a course or discipline that you struggled with in nursing school, you should choose certification in that particular area. This way, you would prepare yourself better for your nursing career and grow in confidence as an RN.
2. Choose an Area That Interests You
Another way of excelling in a specialized nursing field is to choose an area that excites you. If you understand something better than the other concepts, you can advance your career in that direction.
3. Conduct Thorough Research for Specialized Certifications
If you are sure about what you want to specialize in, make sure to conduct a thorough and complete research about the certification, as well as the various opportunities that it can open up for you. By doing so, you will be certain about which path to choose in your quest for a successful career.
Read More: The Best States for Nurses
Closing Thoughts
These are some post-school certifications that newly graduated nurses should look out for. Not only will they help you become a specialized nurse and gain more experience, but they will also enable you to become more confident and competent. By completing these certifications, you can climb up the career ladder much quicker.
Sources:
- Western Governors University. "Best Nursing Certifications for New Graduates." https://www.wgu.edu/blog/best-nursing-certifications-new-graduates2108.html. 22 December 2021
- The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. "Levels of Nursing Explained." https://www.usa.edu/blog/levels-of-nursing-explained/. 22 December 2021.
