Nursing Certification
Becoming a nurse is just the first step in the world of caring for patients. While achieving your LPN or RN nursing license can land you a great job, getting your Nursing Certification can assure you have what it takes to care for those who are the most need. There are several different types of certification you can earn. To be a Nurse Practitioner candidate you must meet or exceed all the eligibility requirements at the time of your application. You must hold a Masters Degree or higher in nursing and you must have a completed formal training in the specialized area in which you will practice or that you are applying for certification. Once you apply for certification and or at least a minimum of 500 hours of supervised clinical practice you may be able to apply for a certification in that area.
What types of Nursing Certification are there?
There are several types of certifications you can receive. Listed below you will find the main certifications as well as brief descriptions of what they entail.
- ACNP — “Acute Care Nursing Practitioner” A registered nurse who has a graduate degree in nursing and is prepared to manage health care for acutely ill patients may want to apply for certification in this area. This advanced level certification allows you to specifically work with critically ill adults and help manage their needs. This area of expertise will also you require you to be able to have good skills in collaboration and effective restorative care. While practicing as a Acute Care Nurse you will also be required to think independently and inter-dependently as well as make decisions about care of your patients.
- ANP — “Adult Nurse Practitioner” An adult nursing practitioner is a registered nurse with at least Masters Degree in nursing. You will provide a wide range of care and health services at a advanced level for adults, this practice includes independent and interdependent decision-making and accountability for clinical judgments. You’ll be also responsible for implementation of health policies, leadership, education and case management of those who are responsible for.
- GNP — “Gerontological Nurse Practitioner” Expertise is this growing field is needed as people are living longer. Becoming an expert in the ever-growing aging population can help ensure your job in this growing field. Senior citizens of today are always needing help with rehabilitation, minimizing injury, and restoring their health. Specializing in the field of GNP helps maintain dignity and respect of people at a elderly age. You will be responsible for educating, consulting, research and advocacy of those you care for.
- PNP — “Pediatric Nursing Practitioner” The Pediatric Nursing Practitioner is a registered nurse whose primary goal is to care for children from birth through 20 years of age. This specialized nurse helps children in all phases of development including health restoration, chronic illnesses, disabilities and overall good health.
- PMHNP — “Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner” A Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is RN who has a graduate degree in nursing. The primary responsibility of this type of nurse was to help patients concerning mainly mental health. Nurses with this type of degree having comprehensive role in physical assessments, diagnosis, medication management other types of interventions or management of psychological problems through adult life.
How much can I make?
Nursing practitioners can make between $69,080 $89000 per year depending upon where you live and who you work for. Some companies offer sign-on bonuses and profit sharing check with your local jobs office for more information.
Where can I get trained?
You must first get your degree as a registered nurse, and in most cases further certifications require you to get your Masters Degree to be considered for position. Check with your local community college or university for more information. Most certificates will take you from four to six years to complete.
What is the job outlook?
The medical field is always been growing and stretching, being certified in a specific niche in the medical industry is becoming more popular. Having specific skills to deal with life and special problems can ensure that you always have a job when it cou