If a nurse manager is discussing certification with nursing ...

[JMatthes]

If a nurse manager is discussing certification with nursing staff, which statement would be omitted?
 
  1. Specialty organizations use their own practice guidelines in order to certify
  nurses in that area.
   2. There are five main areas of nursing in which nurses can obtain certification by
  successfully passing the exam.
  3. Only nurses with at least 5 years of nursing experience with the specialty can
  become certified, regardless of the years in nursing.
  4. Specialty area certification is an example of a structure standard, since it deals
  with personnel qualifications.

Question 2

Which statement most appropriately describes why a nurse obtaining certification is required to work in the specialty area, pass an examination, and recertify at specified intervals?
 
  1. The certification board must ensure that the nurse knows the specialty well enough to avoid being found guilty of negligence.
  2. The certifying agency requires the standards to ensure that the nurse has mastered the knowledge and skills required in the specialty.
  3. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) requires certifying agencies to set these standards.
  4. Working in the area, testing, and recertifying allow the nurse to have additional credentials to increase earning potential.

[abro1885]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 3

Rationale: There is no set number of years a nurse must work within the specialty in order to obtain certification in that area. Some require a certain number of hours, but others only require actively working in the area at the time of the exam. Specialty organizations can but are not required to publish standards of practice tested on the certification exam. There are five areas of nursing offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, but other agencies may offer certification as well. Finally, certification is a structure standard, since personnel qualifications fall into this category. Process standards are the activities nurses perform.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 2

Rationale: Certification assures the public that the nurse has mastered the specialized knowledge and skill required in the area to provide safe, competent nursing care. While certification can assist the nurse in avoiding behaviors construed as negligent, there is no guarantee just because the nurse is certified. This is not the reason the nurse is required to uphold these standards. It is not the NLNAC that requires these standards but the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Upholding these standards and becoming certified can increase earning potential for the nurse, but the reason for the high standards is to assure the public of competency in the specialty area.