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Discussion

Do you really need a certification?

I ask if you need a certification based on the fact that my mom is an associate's degree RN working at an orthopaedic center. When I told her the other day that I had decided that I'd like to eventually specialize in orthopaedics she told me that a certification really doesn't help land you a job or get you higher pay. She has never been asked by her job to go back to school or to get a certification.

So I guess the gist of what I'm asking is do you really need to go and get a certification to "specialize" as an orthopaedic RN? Or can you just go and work in an orthopaedic setting and call yourself the same thing? Does a certification tend to help at all in the hiring process?

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  • Experts

I can speak to the here and now for the employment situation: its a tough market and every little bit helps.

For me, when I worked as an ER staff nurse, I got the CEN and have kept it up too.

And yes, if you want to get ahead and promoted (especially in Magnet facilities) you need at least a BSN.

Your mom has probably been a nurse for awhile and has a decent amount of security in her job. If you're just starting out in the current market, as the previous poster said, you want every little bit of advantage over the many other applicants there will be for whatever jobs you apply for. You don't have to be certified to call yourself and orthopedic nurse; working in orthopedics is enough. You wouldn't be able to call yourself a *certified* orthopedic nurse, though. I don't think you're likely to get more pay for it, but it will demonstrate a dedication to your field that will help with hiring and advancing. There's certainly no downside to it!

  • Experts

I totally think Certification is worth it. It brought me a 7% raise for one thing....seriously though, it MAKES you learn stuff that you never thought you would need but find out you DO need it for your patients' safety.

It lets you converse with the orthopods on a more professional basis when you can show what you understand about your (and their) patients. The ONC is one of the certifications an AS/ADN can qualify for...hm have to check to make sure that still is the case. You can join NAON (National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses) YES!!!!! and network with real ORTHOPAEDIC Nurses.

So you don't HAVE to be certified, but think of all you will gain by doing it.

PS I paid my own way, I bought my own study guides, I paid my own plane fares and hotels for the Congresses and it was GREAT!!!

OK soapbox away to the closet, carry on.

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