Certification or not

[greener22, BSN, MSN, RN]

I am interested in taking the certification exam. My coworkers tell me that it's a waste of time as it only get you $.50 more an hour and the hospital where I work does not pay for annual dues, only the exam. Is it worth it?

[cayenne06, MSN, CNM]

what is the certification?

[llg, PhD, RN]

Well ... do the math. If you get $.50 per hour for being certified and you work 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year ... thats $.50 time 2080 (work hours) = $1040.00 per year.. How many years is the certification good for? In addition, there is the fact that you will have documented your competence in your chosen specialty which will be a boost to your self-esteem as well as your professional credibility. It might help you get a promotion or new job if you would be interested in that.

If those things sound good to you, get certified.

It sounds to me as if your colleagues don't want you to "get ahead of them" in terms of credentials. They don't want you raising the bar because it might make them look bad.

I delayed getting certified for several years -- for a variety of reasons. But once I did it, I was very glad I did. And my hospital didn't pay for any of it and didn't raise my pay. But it felt good to have the official certification recognizing my expertise.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

My hospital doesn't do anything for certifications other than allow access to the highest level of the clinical ladder process. I became certified for my own professional satisfaction. If you want to do it for you, go for it!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I obtained my rehabilitation nursing (CRRN) certification in late 2014. In exchange, I received a $2,000 annual pay raise in addition to a one-time $1,000 bonus.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

I always stay certified in my specialty.I do it for my own professional growth and I love to learn.You will be surprised at what you don't know or forgot.It is not always about the money.I do not get any financial incentive to be certified.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Well ... do the math. If you get $.50 per hour for being certified and you work 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year ... thats $.50 time 2080 (work hours) = $1040.00 per year.

Also, most raises are a percentage of your base pay. If that $.50/ hr is part of the base then each subsequent raise would increase your base higher than without the certification.