Is it worth it to get a certification in a specialty BEFORE graduation?

Nursing Students General Students

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I'm just starting out as a student in a 12 month accelerated BSN program and I am already thinking about jobs. I've done some research and plan on applying to many places 2 months before graduation. Anyway, I was thinking if I got a certification in the specialty I want to work in if it would help me. I'm interested in applying to some nursing residencies in critical care, so I was thinking I'd get a critical care certificate to help my resume. I'm thinking its not necessarily going to help, but I'd figure I'd ask.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Many certificate programs require that you have a nursing license first.I guess it would depend on the requirements.

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Most of the specialty certifications require not just a license, but some specified amount of time working (as an RN) in the specialty. They're not an option for students. (Just to be clear, I'm talking about about the certifications like CCRN, not things like ACLS, PALS, etc.)

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As mentioned, most specialty certs require you to work as an RN in that department for a certain amount of time, sometimes several years of experience in the area. Just stick to getting the more basic ones like ACLS, PALS, etc. Your future employer definitely won't mind not having to pay for you to do them!

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Specializes in Cardiology and ER Nursing.

Any certification is mostly meaningless without some experience behind it.

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Specializes in ED, trauma.
Any certification is mostly meaningless without some experience behind it.

I have 2+ years of tech experience with almost half of that in the ED. I have heard from my local facilities (the ones I am applying to) that having just ACLS is great for employers. They make you take it again anyway, but all the new grads say it benefited them because there is so much information that it never hurts to do it again. Then they let you take whatever other courses you need (PALS, TNCC, etc depending on unit).

Join the nursing associations! SNA, NSNA, etc. those always look great as well. :)

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

I wouldn't waste your time in speciality certain till you have a job, unless its just for your own learning or entertainment.

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Specializes in ER trauma, ICU - trauma, neuro surgical.

You might want to see what your options are for taking a basic heart rhythm class. Downside is you will probably have to pay for it. Once you get hired, most training classes with be paid for or reimbursed.

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

I have 2+ years of tech experience with almost half of that in the ED. I have heard from my local facilities (the ones I am applying to) that having just ACLS is great for employers. They make you take it again anyway, but all the new grads say it benefited them because there is so much information that it never hurts to do it again. Then they let you take whatever other courses you need (PALS, TNCC, etc depending on unit).

Join the nursing associations! SNA, NSNA, etc. those always look great as well. :)

I don't think that's the kind of experience meant. Most (every one I've seen) specialty certs require you have around two years of experience as an RN in a certain specialty for you to be eligible to test to be certified. Like CCRN. I'm sure there might be some out there with less strict requirements, but in general the point is to demonstrate to employers and whoever else tat you have the knowledge, skills, and experience in a certain area.

ACLS is a little different. No experience necessary.

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Specializes in ED, trauma.

I don't think that's the kind of experience meant. Most (every one I've seen) specialty certs require you have around two years of experience as an RN in a certain specialty for you to be eligible to test to be certified. Like CCRN. I'm sure there might be some out there with less strict requirements, but in general the point is to demonstrate to employers and whoever else tat you have the knowledge, skills, and experience in a certain area.

ACLS is a little different. No experience necessary.

Oh I agree. But some people discourage new grads from even doing ACLS. I just think that ACLS can't hurt. The others I would definitely wait on as they differ from facility (PALS vs PEARS vs ENPC) and some require a certain number of years or hours of experience in the field.

I think OP could get ACLS and give them self a boost confidence wise and resume wise. Talk to nurses at the facilities you hope to work at, ask if you will be reimbursed for ACLS. I have heard some places do, but the facility I am applying to actually doesn't reimburse you and just makes you take it again as part of your orientation! Do if you can afford it, do it. If not, just wait.

Other speciality certificates just wait because you need the experience. CCRN requires like 2 years or something last I checked.

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Specializes in Pediatrics (neuro).

I did my ACLS and joined a few professional organizations.

I also went to a 3 day conference where I made some connections and landed my first nursing job! I would say hold off on the critical care certificate for right now and re-evaluate in 6 months... it's pretty expensive to do and is a lot more valuable with recent, relevant experience.

Good luck!

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This is really helpful. I figure its a good idea to join the professional organizations and I will join the ANA once I graduate and am a student member with them now. I suppose joining student organizations could help, but it'll be extremely tough for me to actually go to meetings since my program is ridiculous in terms of its time requirements. Good to know that certifications are only for working RN's. Just seems like its gonna be hard to get to where I want unless I can get into an ICU new grad program :/

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