Promoting CCRN Certification at New York Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical Center

The CCRN certification is a mark of excellence and a distinguishing accomplishment. The most important thing we as nurses can do is to let our patients know at a glance that we are one of the best that the nursing profession has to offer. In this era of increasingly complex and challenging health care, certification attests to a nurse’s knowledge and ability, showing patients, their families, and employers that a nurse is qualified, experienced, and competent and has met the rigorous requirements to achieve this distinguished credential.

The nurse clinicians in the cardiac care unit (CCU) at the New York Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical Center, embarked on a project to promote continuing nursing excellence by increasing the number of CCRN-certified registered nurses (CCRNs) on the unit. Before starting the project, our staff included only 5 CCRNs. At present, that number has more than quadrupled, with still more nurses pursuing certification....