When I opened the envelope containing my first certification credentials, I experienced a surprising feeling of professional pride. Like many nurses, I had pursued specialty certification for a multitude of reasons: validation of my knowledge and expertise, a desire for professional growth and career advancement, and the recognition that certification would elevate the quality of my nursing practice. My motivations reflected the evidence I frequently encountered in my research as a nurse scientist, which demonstrates that certification helps improve patient outcomes, increases job satisfaction, and reduces turnover and vacancy rates.1 I believe the feelings of unexpected pride and enhanced professional identity stemmed from a sense of connection to the rich history of nursing.
Specialty certification is deeply embedded within our professional legacy. In 1958, as the American Nurses Association began establishing both universal and specialty practice standards, the House of Delegates also proposed certification as a formal way...
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