Certifiably Excellent

The purpose of this article is to provide a road map for individuals and chapters to use in beginning a certification program. The Heart of the Piedmont Chapter used the mission, vision, and values of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses to create an environment of safety and expert care for patients and their families. The journey began when our chapter realized that there were only a few certified nurses in our chapter and hospital. As a chapter, we decided to use a survey to determine interest in certification. We invited all interested nurses to attend a certification meeting. Eighty nurses attended. Collaborating with nursing administration, we held study groups, brought in a national speaker, and assisted with payment of the certification examination. This article describes how 1 chapter can make a positive difference in the lives of nurses and patients. Although our chapter’s journey is ongoing, we hope to share our strategies for success with others.