Top 11 Staff Nurse Certifications

Certifications are important for staff nurses in the job market because they demonstrate a nurse's commitment to professional development and expertise in their field. Certifications help employers identify qualified candidates and usually carry more weight than a degree alone. They also show that the nurse has achieved a level of proficiency in their specialty area and is committed to staying current with the latest advances in nursing practice. Additionally, certifications can make a nurse eligible for higher-level positions or pay grades. Certifications serve as a valuable asset to any nurse looking to advance their career or stand out among other candidates.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications available for Staff Nurses and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Staff Nurse Certifications?

Staff nurse certification is a professional credential awarded to nurses who have completed additional training in their field of specialty. It is a way for nurses to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and their expertise in a particular area of nursing practice. Certification can also help nurses stand out among their peers, as it demonstrates that they have achieved a higher level of competency than those without certification.

Certified staff nurses are typically more knowledgeable about the latest trends and issues affecting the nursing profession and may be better prepared for new roles within the healthcare system, such as leadership positions or advanced practice roles. Certification can also give nurses greater confidence in their abilities and help them feel more secure in their job performance, as they know that they have achieved a higher level of competency than those without certification. Additionally, having certification can assist nurses when seeking employment opportunities or promotions within their organization, as employers often prefer candidates with specialized knowledge and experience.

Pro Tip: When considering staff nurse certification, make sure to research the requirements and fees associated with the program. Also, be sure to confirm that the certification is valid and accepted by the state you are practicing in.

Related: What does a Staff Nurse do?

Top 11 Staff Nurse Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Staff Nurses today.

1. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification is a certification that is designed to teach individuals the necessary skills to provide basic life support in emergency medical situations. This includes CPR, AED use, and other lifesaving techniques. BLS Certification typically takes about 4-6 hours to complete and can be obtained through a variety of organizations such as the American Heart Association, Red Cross, or other healthcare providers. The cost of BLS Certification varies depending on the organization offering the course but typically ranges from $50-$100.

2. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification is a two-day course designed to teach healthcare providers the skills necessary to recognize and treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The ACLS certification is offered by the American Heart Association, and is required for many healthcare professionals who work in emergency or critical care settings.

The ACLS course typically takes two days to complete. On the first day, participants learn about topics such as airway management, resuscitation techniques, pharmacology, and electrical therapies. On the second day, participants review and practice their skills in simulated scenarios.

To obtain ACLS certification, individuals must attend an approved training program and pass a written exam at the end of the course. Individuals must also have a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification before enrolling in an ACLS course.

The cost of ACLS certification varies depending on location, but typically ranges from $200-$400 for both days of instruction.

3. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification is a certification program offered by the American Heart Association (AHA). It is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage critically ill infants and children. The program focuses on team dynamics, problem-solving, recognition of life-threatening conditions, and management of cardiac arrest in pediatric patients.

The PALS Certification course typically takes about 14 hours to complete. This includes both online and classroom instruction. During the course, participants will learn how to recognize signs of distress in pediatric patients, perform basic life support techniques, understand the use of advanced airway devices, and apply pharmacological interventions for cardiac arrest.

To get PALS Certification, you must first complete an AHA approved PALS Provider Course. This can be done either online or in person at an AHA training center. After completing the course, you will need to pass a written exam and demonstrate proficiency in performing skills related to resuscitation of pediatric patients.

The cost of getting PALS Certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it will cost around $200-$300 USD for the entire process including registration fees, materials fees, and exam fees.

4. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Certification

The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) is a certification program designed to teach healthcare providers the skills and knowledge necessary to recognize and manage neonatal emergencies. The program is sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Heart Association (AHA). It is designed for providers who care for newborns, including physicians, nurses, midwives, respiratory therapists, paramedics, and other health professionals.

NRP certification is valid for two years from the date of completion. To obtain NRP certification, individuals must complete an online self-study course and then attend an instructor-led skills session. The online self-study course takes approximately six hours to complete and can be done at any time prior to attending the instructor-led skills session. The instructor-led skills session typically lasts four hours or more and includes hands on practice with manikins.

The cost of NRP certification varies depending on the provider offering the course. Generally speaking, it costs between $100-$200 USD per person to obtain NRP certification.

5. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification is a credential that is awarded to individuals who have completed a state-approved training program and passed the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. This certification allows individuals to work as nursing assistants in long-term care facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and other healthcare settings.

The CNA certification process typically takes between four to twelve weeks to complete. The length of time depends on the type of program chosen and the amount of time available for study. Generally, CNA programs consist of both classroom instruction and clinical practice in a healthcare setting.

In order to become certified as a CNA, an individual must first enroll in an approved training program. These programs are offered by community colleges, technical schools, universities, and private institutions. Once enrolled in the program, students must complete all coursework and clinical requirements before they can take the NNAAP exam.

The cost of becoming certified as a CNA varies depending on the type of program chosen and any additional fees associated with it. Generally speaking, most CNA programs range from $600-$1,000 for tuition and fees. Additionally, there is usually an additional fee for taking the NNAAP exam which ranges from $50-$100 depending on the state where it is taken.

6. Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) Certification

Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) Certification is a voluntary certification offered by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB). It is designed to recognize nurses who have achieved a high level of expertise in medical-surgical nursing practice. The certification is valid for five years and can be renewed through continuing education activities.

In order to become certified, nurses must meet specific eligibility requirements. These include: having an active registered nurse license, having a minimum of two years of full-time experience in medical-surgical nursing within the past three years, and successfully completing the MSNCB’s examination. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as patient assessment, clinical decision making, pharmacology, and professional practice.

The cost to take the exam is $350 for members of the Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses or $450 for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with renewing the certification every five years ($150 for members and $200 for non-members).

Overall, obtaining CMSRN certification can help demonstrate a nurse’s commitment to excellence in their practice and provide recognition from peers and employers alike.

7. Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Certification

Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Certification is a credential offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). It is designed to recognize nurses who have achieved a high level of expertise in emergency nursing practice.

The CEN certification process typically takes about four months to complete and requires that applicants meet certain eligibility criteria. To become certified, applicants must be currently licensed as a registered nurse, hold at least two years of full-time experience as an emergency nurse, and pass the CEN exam.

To get started, applicants must first apply for the CEN exam through BCEN’s website. The application fee is $370 and includes access to study materials. After submitting the application, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule their exam date and pay the additional $200 testing fee.

Once the exam has been passed, applicants will be awarded their Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) certification. This certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing continuing education credits or retaking the CEN exam.

8. Certified in Public Health Nursing (CPHN) Certification

Certified in Public Health Nursing (CPHN) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of nurses who specialize in public health nursing. It is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which is part of the American Nurses Association (ANA). The certification demonstrates a nurse’s commitment to providing quality care for individuals, families, and communities in public health settings.

The CPHN certification process takes approximately six months to complete. To be eligible for the CPHN certification, applicants must have an active RN license, at least two years of full-time experience as an RN within the past five years, and at least 1,000 hours of practice as a public health nurse within the past three years.

To obtain CPHN certification, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam administered by ANCC. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health sciences, community health assessment and planning, program evaluation and management, policy development and advocacy, and professional roles in public health nursing.

The cost to take the CPHN exam is $395 for members of ANA or its affiliates and $495 for non-members. In addition to the cost of taking the exam, there is also an annual fee to maintain your certification status. This fee varies based on when you took your exam; it ranges from $50-$90 per year for members of ANA or its affiliates and from $60-$100 per year for non-members.

9. Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) Certification

A Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) is a registered nurse who has achieved a specialized certification in the care of patients with kidney failure. The CDN certification is offered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission and is valid for five years.

To become certified, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have an active, unrestricted license as a registered nurse in the United States or Canada;
• Have at least two years of full-time experience as a dialysis nurse within the past three years;
• Complete 30 contact hours of continuing education related to nephrology nursing within the past three years; and
• Pass an exam administered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as patient assessment, dialysis treatment, nutrition, pharmacology, and professional issues. It takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take the CDN exam is $395 for members of the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission and $495 for non-members. After passing the exam, there is an additional fee of $95 to maintain certification every five years.

10. Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Certification

Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) certification is a voluntary credential that recognizes the specialized knowledge and skills needed to provide quality care to individuals with disabilities. The CRRN certification is offered through the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN).

It typically takes 6-12 months to prepare for the CRRN exam, depending on individual study habits and experience. To become certified, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by ARN. These include being a registered nurse in good standing with a current RN license in the U.S., having at least two years of full-time practice as an RN in rehabilitation nursing within the last five years, and completing 30 hours of continuing education in rehabilitation nursing within the last three years.

The cost of taking the CRRN exam is $350 for ARN members and $450 for non-members. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining continuing education credits or other materials needed for preparation for the exam.

11. Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Certification

Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Certification is a credentialing program offered by the American Board of Wound Management (ABWM). This certification recognizes registered nurses who have achieved advanced knowledge and competency in wound care. To become certified, nurses must complete a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as wound assessment, treatment, prevention, and management.

The CWCN Certification process typically takes about 6-8 weeks to complete. In order to be eligible for the certification, applicants must be currently licensed as a registered nurse in the United States or Canada and have at least two years of full-time clinical experience in wound care within the last five years. Applicants must also submit an application form with supporting documentation, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation from employers or colleagues. Once all requirements are met, applicants can register for the CWCN Exam.

The cost of taking the CWCN Exam varies depending on where you take it. The exam fee is typically around $450 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses or study materials.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your CWCN Certification from ABWM and will be able to use this credential when applying for jobs or promotions in wound care nursing.

Do You Really Need a Staff Nurse Certificate?

The need for a staff nurse certificate depends on the type of nursing position and the state in which you practice. In some states, such as California, nurses must obtain a staff nurse certificate from the Board of Nursing in order to work as a staff nurse. A staff nurse is responsible for providing direct patient care, including assessing patient needs, administering medications, and monitoring vital signs.

In other states, however, there may be no requirement for a staff nurse certification. For example, in some states nurses may be able to practice without obtaining any additional certification beyond their registered nurse license. In these cases, it may still be beneficial to pursue a staff nurse certificate if you want to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in caring for patients. Additionally, having this certification can make you more attractive to potential employers and could open up more job opportunities.

In general, if you are looking for employment as a staff nurse or other position that requires direct patient care, then it is recommended that you obtain a staff nurse certificate. This will ensure that you have the credentials needed to provide high quality care while also demonstrating your commitment to professional development.

Related: Staff Nurse Resume Examples

FAQs About Staff Nurse Certifications

1. What certifications are available for staff nurses?

Answer: There are a variety of certifications available for staff nurses, including Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

2. How much does it cost to get certified as a staff nurse?

Answer: The cost of obtaining certification varies depending on the type of certification and any additional fees associated with the exam. Generally, the cost ranges from around $200-$500.

3. How long does it take to become certified as a staff nurse?

Answer: Depending on the type of certification, it can take anywhere from three months to two years to become certified as a staff nurse. It is important to check with the specific certification program for more information regarding their timeline for completion.

4. What qualifications do I need in order to be eligible for certification as a staff nurse?

Answer: Generally, applicants must have an active nursing license, have graduated from an accredited nursing school and have at least one year of experience in their field before they can qualify for certification as a staff nurse. Additionally, some certifications may require additional qualifications such as continuing education courses or specialty training courses.

5. How often do I need to renew my staff nurse certification?

Answer: Most certifications require renewal every two years in order to maintain active status. Renewal typically includes completing continuing education credits or taking exams in order to demonstrate competency in your area of practice.