certifications

[iliel]

I see that there are so many certifications out there for RN's. Any advice from seasoned nurses about the best to get. I know that many require several years experience, etc...but are there any that I can do as student status that will help me when I graduate? I also see that some community colleges offer classes for Critical care and perioperative...are these helpful, has anyone taken one?

thanks!

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Well, aren't you the ambitious one. Wanting to study more while in school. I'm having a big problem understanding that one. LOL j/k

I don't know of any certifications that students can get. However, the critical care courses and perioperative courses assume a certain level of knowledge particularly in a&p and pathophys. If you have a good foundation, and these are areas you're interesting in working, they probably will help you get a job and increase your foundation, so I would go for those rather than certification. However many hospitals offer these courses, or send you to these courses as part of their training.

Oh, btw, there is a nursing shortage. Perspective employers are looking for bodies with a license. This is what you need. There is plenty of time later for professional development. IMHO. :chuckle

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

Many certifications require you to be in practice a certain length of time so that the certificate PLUS your experience amount to something. Depending on how you define certification, I guess, because a notable exception is the ACLS certification which is available to nursing students. My advice (which is free and worth every cent) is get through nursing school. You are not going to impress future employers and you don't need to spend money on stuff you might not need. There is PLENTY of time to do this later and, if you are lucky, your employer will pick up the tab. Good luck in school.

[iliel]

Thanks, I never thought about my employer picking up the tab! That's helps me!

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Originally posted by iliel

Thanks, I never thought about my employer picking up the tab! That's helps me!

Yep, my certification cost over $300.00, which was paid in full by my employer.

Good luck!

[sjoe]

The only ones that come to mind that you could, perhaps, do before graduation AND that would be very useful to you and future employers would be IV Certification and/or phlebotomy. If your local hospitals can't give you a lead about how to obtain these certs, ask some local nursing agencies.

[iliel]

thanks Sjoe! I'll check that out!