Certifications - When is it too much?

[CardiacKidd1914]

I am addicted to certifications. I like the challenge of taking the test to test my knowledge but I really feel it helps me to be a more knowledgeable nurse as I am studying for my Acute Care AG NP and I want to be one that actually knows my stuff! Everyone at work asks me why do I waste my money on all this "alphabet soup" and I just wanted to know if anyone things too much is "too much"?

CardiacKidd1914, BSN, RN, CCRN, TCRN, CNRN

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I have no issue with it. Just don't list them after your name or you look like a tool.

[BeanAPRN]

1) Your employer pays for you for multiple board-certifications - that is key!

2) It's no one else's business, really. But, it's also nice to know how others view it.

3) That being said, my personal thought on multiples is that they should make "sense" together. It sounds like yours do - otherwise, it leads to speculation of how is an RN keeping up hours for Peds, Neonatal, Stroke, Post-Anesthesia, Med-Surg and Oncology, etc.... But, if they are realistically congruent and keeping them up is easily done - go for it!

I sign emails, other professional items with: DNP, APRN, FCCM

I sign work items with my credentials: ACNP-BC

I sign the WHOLE alphabet when I'm feeling snappy or bratty about something!!! ha ha (truly, I put everything I have down and fume over whatever issue the "nurses" were not "qualified" to comment or speak on): DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, ACNS-BC, CNRN, CCRN-CSC, FCCM

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

You're grown, do what you want.

[Reyn04, MSN, RN]

Most places I've worked don't reimburse beyond 2 certs so I'd probably cap it there. If your job pays for them then I guess go nuts.

Studying & knowledge is fine, great in fact, but I personally don't understand people's need to have the piece of paper so to speak. I guess I've encountered too many people who are book-smart but cant hack it in the practical setting but are overly impressed with themselves anyway.

I'm in my informatics MSN program & after school want to study Spanish so I can interact with my spanish speaking patients more but its just an education program - no certs. It benefits that population of my patients if I succeed & thats enough for me.