Through investing in their professional practice and expanding their knowledge of perianesthesia nursing, our team can provide the best care possible to our patients and community.
Jess Barbarow, MPH, BSN, RN, CEN, nurse manager of Cheshire’s pre-operative unitAs a nurse, becoming certified in an area of your expertise and interest enhances your professional growth, career development, and patient care. With more than 180 distinct certifications available and a plethora of courses and resources online, certification can be a fascinating and fulfilling—yet accessible—undertaking for a lifelong learner. The recognition of your achievement is a source of pride that earns you trust and respect from your colleagues and patients.
“I chose to become dual certified in Inpatient Obstetrics (RNC-OB) and External Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM) to validate my specialty knowledge and commitment to my career development,” says Jennifer Osborne, BSN, who was recently dual-certified. “The continued education requirements for my certifications also allow me to take the best care of my patients with the most current information.”
Cheshire Medical Center encourages all clinical staff to pursue certifications in their areas of interest, as it elevates both the patient experience and your career satisfaction. The Nursing Education department supports a range of certification programs, often for whole departments.
“Recently, we supported Cheshire’s OR, Pre-op, and Case Management teams in pursuing specialized certifications,” says Heather M. Palmer, Cheshire’s nursing education director. “They build confidence and open diverse opportunities. If you want to take your career in a new direction or want a new challenge, that ability is a great thing about nursing.”
Demonstrating your advanced knowledge and expertise can open up opportunities, such as higher-paying positions, specialized roles, or leadership positions. At Cheshire, some specialized roles require certification or will allow you to gain the certification once in the role.
This spring, nurses in perioperative services are scheduled to take exams to achieve Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) the Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) status, after Cheshire provided financial support for their preparation courses and exam registrations.
“Our board-certified registered nurses have achieved an outstanding accomplishment,” says Jess Barbarow, MPH, BSN, RN, CEN, nurse manager of Cheshire’s pre-operative unit. “Through investing in their professional practice and expanding their knowledge of perianesthesia nursing, they can provide the best care possible to our patients and community.”
Using the latest research to acquire the knowledge and skills can enhance your clinical judgment, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities. Certification proves you use current, specialized, evidence-based practices, allowing you to confidently provide exceptional patient care and truly be the best, where it matters most.