Certifications - When is it too much?

cleback · Apr 10, 2017

Why not just focus on studying for your np? I feel like I never have enough time to really delve into the material we're given in my program. If I had time, I would devote it to that. A few certs are nice to have, as employers look favorably on them, but they're also fairly expensive. You're already paying good money for graduate school--get your money's worth out of that before another cert.

CardiacKidd1914 · Apr 10, 2017

I do focus on my NP but between quarters I study for the certs. I only study for a week before taking them. I feel that the knowledge I learn from the certs help me as far as bedside and can only help me more as an NP. And I only am taking the certs relevant to my scope and skill which are centered around critical care and trauma. As far as the expense for the certs my job gives me $500 for certs which are relevant for my job so it kind of pays for itself. I just wanted to know thoughts on having too many certs. Thanks for the reply.

calivianya, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2017

I don't believe there is such a thing as too many certs. I believe in advancing your knowledge, and keeping on top of specialty certs is certainly a way to do that. The knowledge required to get them in the first place is certainly not trivial, and the sheer number of CEs you need to renew them is intimidating enough that I'm thinking about just re-testing for mine. xD Nobody can say you haven't been exposed to all kinds of new knowledge if you've completed the 100 hour CERP requirement for CCRN, that's for sure!

I work in a MICU so some of the more specialized ones are out for me - which is probably the only reason I don't have more of them myself.

calivianya, CCRN.

OCNRN63, RN · Apr 10, 2017

If you're not actually regularly using the skills for the exam you want to take, then it's too much. Certification says that you are able to perform to the level of that particular skill/specialty, so you're legally liable should you choose to try to put that cert to work.

I used to feel the same way but then I decided it was wiser (at least for me) to focus my certs on my specialty.

Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP · Apr 10, 2017

I am also studying for my NP, and I have three certifications. However, the problem lies when you come to renew them because most require that you practice so many hours in that specialty to make you eligible to renew. I don't want to have to spend all that time and money for something that's going to expire. Luckily after I got my CCRN and then went into informatics they allowed me to have the CCRN-K certification which means that I can keep it. Now I'm in clinicals I will probably have the hours for the next cycle to be able to renew, but my dialysis CDN certification will likely have to be expired the next time around as I haven't done any dialysis hours in ages. When I was in the ICU I could use my CRRT skills to qualify but it's been a while. I'll be happy just keeping the CCRN. My Epic certification is still current as I practice in informatics and just renewed but if I go back into clinical practice that will probably expire too. These renewals are so darned expensive!

CardiacKidd1914 · Apr 10, 2017

Thanks everyone. Yeah I work in a Level 2 Trauma Center in the ICU plus will float to the ED and PICU if they need help. Out ICU is a mixed ICU which I feel I am blessed to have worked in because we see everything. So CCRN is covered as far as hours. Since we are Trauma my TCRN is covered. We have neurotrauma, and neuro-ICU patients and are a comprehensive stroke center so my CNRN is covered and when I take my SCRN will be covered. We have open hearts, impellas, balloon pumps, etc so the last two certs I want, CSC, and CMC will be covered. Honestly I think it may be because I have worked with some NP's and PA's who don't even know their stuff in the areas they cover and maybe I am overcompensating by wanting to learn everything that we cover in our ICU so that I won't be one of those types of NP's.

allnurses Guide · Apr 10, 2017

I think there are much worse and more expensive hobbies to have. :)

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Apr 10, 2017

I see nothing wrong with having multiple certifications if they fall within your specialty and you are willing to spend the money for recertification and CEU's. Certifications are a way to validate your knowledge and commitment to the field.

The question comes up when you're already an NP and you still have non-APN certifications such as CCRN, CEN, etc. Some boards used to have advanced practice subspecialty certifications but they've not been popular. I think it becomes an individual option if you still want to keep CCRN, etc as an NP.

foggnm · Apr 10, 2017

Too much is when your wallet says "hey we could have went to Hawaii this year if it wasn't for the cost of those certifications!"

gettingbsn2msn, MSN, RN · Apr 10, 2017

It is my hobby as well. I figure since i do not smoke or drink, this is an alright hobby to have! Right now I am focused on functional medicine. I already passed my ANP and have been practicing for 5 years now but I love the knowledge I gain.

But I have to agree with the above poster, maybe I should just go to Hawaii!!!!

romantic, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2017

Agree, there is no such a thing as too many certifications. But renewal is kind of sucks... expensive.

I think, all depend how you like to study. I am a better learner when I know that I can test myself and get a prize -- a new certification.