Registered nurses play a critical role in the healthcare industry. In today’s competitive job market, it is more important than ever for RNs to distinguish themselves from their peers. One way to do this is by obtaining nursing certifications in specialized areas of nursing practice. Trident Medical Center in Charleston, SC even pays their nurses to complete further education! Here are some certifications that every RN should consider.
1. Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
The CMSRN certification is offered by the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) and is designed for nurses who work in the medical-surgical specialty. This certification demonstrates a nurse’s expertise in caring for adult patients with a wide range of medical conditions. According to the AMSN, nurses who hold the CMSRN certification earn an average of $10,000 more per year than non-certified nurses in the same specialty.
2. Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
The CPN certification is offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and is designed for nurses who work in the pediatric specialty. This certification demonstrates a nurse’s knowledge of caring for infants, children, and adolescents with a wide range of medical conditions. According to the PNCB, nurses who hold the CPN certification earn an average of $7,000 more per year than non-certified nurses in the same specialty.
3. Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
The CCRN certification is offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and is designed for nurses who work in critical care settings such as intensive care units (ICUs) and cardiac care units (CCUs). This certification demonstrates a nurse’s skill in caring for critically ill patients. According to this article from Pocket Prep, nurses who hold the CCRN certification earn an average of $18,000 more per year than non-certified nurses in the same specialty.
4. Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
The CEN certification is offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) and is designed for nurses who work in emergency departments (EDs). This certification demonstrates a nurse’s knowledge and expertise in caring for patients with acute medical conditions and injuries. According to this document from the BCEN, nurses who hold the CEN certification earn an average of $1,400 more per year than non-certified nurses in the same specialty.
5. Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR)
The CNOR certification (often called the Certified Perioperative Nurse credential) is offered by the Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI) and is designed for nurses who work in the operating room. This certification demonstrates a nurse’s knowledge and expertise in perioperative nursing practice. A 2022 AORN Salary and Compensation survey found that certified nurses earn an average of $2,600 more per year than non-certified nurses.
Nurses have a challenging job, but one that can be extremely rewarding. Nursing certifications like the ones above can prepare nurses to serve more diverse types of patients and create opportunities for more financial compensation for the expertise they demonstrate.
If you are looking for new nursing career opportunities, you should consider working in Charleston, SC. Trident Medical Center is one of the top hospitals in the southeast US and is looking for qualified nurses now! Submit your information or browse open nursing jobs today.
