Recognize certified nurses publicly. Mount their certificate and photo and display it on the unit. Place an announcement with their photo in facility newsletters. Send press releases to local newspapers. Display the names of certified nurses on a plaque in the unit.
Competent caregivers are essential.
Nurses must progress from novice to expert in order to attain proficiency in practice. Motivating staff to move to advanced levels of proficiency requires an environment that fosters continuous learning and professional development. Although many resources are invested in the new graduate or novice nurse, managers must also invest in the nurse beyond the introductory stage. The successful completion of a certification examination can be a powerful management tool to ensure nurses have the knowledge to practice competently. The following are suggestions for linking certification and professional development at your facility.