Amazing Changes and Events in Professional Nursing

The mid-to-late 20th century marked a period of significant transformation in professional nursing, with numerous changes and events that have shaped modern nursing practice. One of the most impactful changes during this period was the development and expansion of nursing certifications. While all registered nurses (RNs) receive a license from their State Board of Nursing, which verifies that they have met the minimum requirements to practice nursing, the advent of specialized certifications has elevated the standard of nursing care, particularly in specialized units.

Nursing certifications are professional credentials that validate a nurse’s expertise in a particular area of practice. For instance, certifications in critical care, oncology, and cardiovascular nursing require nurses to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills beyond the basic nursing license (American Nurses Credentialing Center, 2023). The trend toward obtaining these certifications has grown over the past few decades, driven by the increasing complexity of patient care and the need for nurses to possess specialized knowledge to provide high-quality care (American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 2023).

One example of this trend is the Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) certification, offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). This certification is designed for nurses who care for acutely ill adult patients. It validates the nurse’s proficiency in handling complex patient conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarctions (AACN, 2023). The pursuit of such certifications is not only encouraged but often expected in specialized units, as it ensures that nurses are equipped with the latest evidence-based knowledge and clinical skills necessary to manage the specific challenges of their patient population.

The impact of nursing certifications on the quality of nursing practice today cannot be overstated. Certified nurses are recognized as experts in their field, which enhances their confidence, credibility, and ability to provide high-quality care (Institute of Medicine, 2010). Moreover, research has shown that certified nurses contribute to better patient outcomes, including lower mortality rates and fewer complications (Boyle et al., 2022). As the healthcare environment continues to evolve, the emphasis on nursing certification will likely remain a critical factor in advancing nursing practice and ensuring the delivery of safe, effective patient care.

In conclusion, the expansion of nursing certifications represents a pivotal change in the history of professional nursing. This development has not only advanced the role of nurses in specialized care but has also significantly improved the overall quality of nursing practice. As healthcare continues to grow in complexity, the importance of nursing certifications will only increase, underscoring the need for ongoing professional development and lifelong learning in the nursing profession.

References

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. (2023). Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) certification. https://www.aacn.org/certification/pccn

American Nurses Credentialing Center. (2023). Certification & renewal. https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/

Boyle, D. K., Gajewski, B. J., Miller, P. A., & Zamora, K. J. (2022). The impact of specialty nurse certification on outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 54(2), 157-164. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12719

Institute of Medicine. (2010). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/12956