Certifications?

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Question for the current nurses:

Is there a limit to certificates a nurse can get?

For ex: an RN has MSRN Certification and RNC-OB certification? Is it possible?

I'm curious as I'd like to get a certification later in my future.

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Certifications are awarded by various organizations and societies when the minimum criteria is met and a nurse has 'earned' it; there's no law the stipulates a 'maximum' amount of certifications/degrees a nurse can receive. Achieving a nursing specialty certification is not easy to accomplish; you typically need several years in a specialty with thousands of hours and pass an exam that reflects your expert body of knowledge. I would venture to say most nurses do not/will not pursue this, however the trend in healthcare and nursing is for nurses to advance their education with BSN/MSN degrees and elevate one's professional profile with certifications. So if you're already planning to do that then you are ahead of the curve and very smart.

-theRNJedi

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

There's no limit to the number of professional nursing certifications that can be earned by a nurse. However, I think you should have specific goals in mind when pursuing each certification. If it will enhance your career and fund of knowledge, go for it.

I am certified in my specialty. To be blunt, I did it for the pay raise that resulted almost immediately after obtaining it.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I have two certs and they are in closely related disciplines (pediatrics and peds CCRN). Having certs in widely differing specialties is much more difficult- because of the required number of practice hours one needs to even be eligible.

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