Certification and Work Benefits?

[CaringForOthers]

I'm an RN with a BSN degree and recently became board certified in ambulatory care since I work in an outpatient setting. I was always informed by previous nursing instructors as well as other nurses that certification is a high honor and achievement. After becoming board certified, my company gifted me with a $25 store gift card. Is this appropriate? I'm feeling unappreciated and a little shocked as this makes me believe that certification isn't all that it's claimed to be unless you're working in an inpatient hospital setting. Any insight would be appreciated.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Unfortunately, recognition of achievements runs a wide gamut of nothing up to pay increases across all of healthcare. A gift card is at least a level of recognition, but it will be up to you to decide if it is something you will let slide or decide to focus on a new employer that offers more recognition for certification.

[kp2016]

I studied for and obtained two certifications. It was not acknowledged at all. The hospital also declined to pay the fee for the exams which I took on my days off.

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

Honestly, it may buff up your resume when it comes to advancement or looking for other work, but don't expect too much from a current employer.

Treat it more as a learning opportunity (the studying can be helpful) as well as a personal point of pride.

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

Anymore, certifications are a dime a dozen. Many have alphabet soup behind their name to the point that many no longer bat an eye. Most patients don't even know what the cert means

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

2 hours ago, Hoosier_RN said:

Anymore, certifications are a dime a dozen. Many have alphabet soup behind their name to the point that many no longer bat an eye. Most patients don't even know what the cert means

Truly. When the number of letters after the nurse's name + RN are greater than that found in the preamble to the Constitution you know there's a problem...

[gere7404, BSN, RN]

We get a $1.25/hr raise if we get PCCN certified on my unit. Other floors have specific certifications identified that earns the nurses that cert bonus (ie CEN for ED, CCRN for ICU).

[SarahMaria, MSN, RN]

I have two certifications and received absolutely nothing for them.

[HappyCCRN1, BSN]

I’ve worked at 3 different hospitals that offered a $1000 bonus for one certification.

Decided to do my CCRN at the hospital that did this AND even paid for me to take the review class. They actually paid for the 2 day review course, gave me “educational PTO” for the 8 hours each day (since I was taking off work that week) as well as 3 hours to actually sit and take the exam, and then the $1000 bonus came a few weeks later. My unit was 87% certified and Beacon Gold.

These benefits were available to every inpatient unit in the hospital.

Our upper management took a lot of pride in our cert numbers and I think that positive attitude trickles down. I feel for those that aren’t recognized more for certification.

[Quota, BSN, RN]

My hospital paid for my chemo certification and I have a raise coming at the six month mark post certification. They will also pay for me to get my OCN when I reach the two year mark which will earn me a bonus. Certification is also required if I want to advance up the ladder for a pay raise. I believe they will also provide educational assistance for prepping for your certification.