Recommended Certifications for Nursing Students

[tamaram]

Hi,

I'll be graduating with my Bachelor of Nursing degree in the spring. I was wondering what specialty training courses/certifications are recommended to enhance my resume?

Thanks!

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

You need to work in a particular area for a period of time before considering certification. The actual experience, not the certification enhances any certification.

However, you may want to consider taking a non-violent crisis intervention course. The skills are valuable for every area of health care.

Employers will train on the job aside from that for additional certifications that you'll need.

[Daisy_08, BSN, RN]

Depends what area you are wanting to work. Your local college will likely have a variety of courses to choose from.

If your not sure, take something you find interesting.

[sunship88]

Non-violent crisis intervention; like one post said.

My first job on a med-surg floor: the hospital I worked at offered optional free courses for staff on wound care, palliative care, mentoring new staff/students etc. I know that only helps once you've landed a job but keep an eye out for what is offered; helps boost your resume and looks good when you do apply to a specialty program (ER, critical care, etc.)

[Soupysoup]

I took a TNCC course to upgrade my assessment skills, ACLS is a good one, anything with reading EKGs, skills online (public health) has some good free ones Welcome to Skills Online - Skills Enhancement for Public Health, IHI has a free program/certification on healthcare improvement IHI Home Page , find something you're interested in.

[dayandnight]

Depends on where you are, but I am currently taking a EKG interpretation course through BCIT in BC and I see many 3rd to 4th year students taking the course as well as ICU theory online class in their 4th year. Some of those students already have a ESN position at the hospital and work in ER or High Acuity and some have their preceptorship at the Cardiac unit and etc. Any other specialty course or classes you would have to look into once you get a job in that particular field (as you will need experience or sponsorship from the unit you are working in.)