Name certifications/specialties newly licensed nurses can earn quickly

[Evolving_Nurse, ADN]

What are some certifications / credentials / specialties that new nurses can easily earn quickly? I'm newly licensed and I'm not sure what specialty area of nursing I want to work in. I'm preparing to apply for jobs, so I was wondering if there are any certifications I could earn online that could set me apart from other candidates.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

The only things that are mildly helpful to a new nurse are ACLS and PALS. They are not online. They require an in-person skills test. All specialty certifications (CCRN, CEN, etc.) require XXX hours of experience before being eligible to sit for the exam.

[Evolving_Nurse, ADN]

I have BLS, I agree with you on the ACLS & PALS. I've seen hospitals pay for new staff to take those courses, so I'm going to wait to take them. I kind of figured clinical experience was going to be a key factor. I was looking into taking some FEMA courses, but I'm not sure if it would really be that beneficial.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

On 1/29/2019 at 8:54 AM, KayGee007 said:

I was looking into taking some FEMA courses, but I'm not sure if it would really be that beneficial.

They might be, but not for immediate use in a hospital specialty. However, you CAN volunteer for your local medical reserve corps and that usually requires a couple of FEMA courses. Good luck!

[Golden_RN, MSN]

AANC Certifications require a certain amount of experience, but you can look here:

https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/

I wouldn't recommend FEMA training. Hospitals I worked for sent staff to these & I didn't hear glowing reviews from management.

[Sassy-RN]

All legit specialty certs usually require at least 2 years experience. You are a new nurse, just get some experience under your belt and then worry about specialty certifications later.

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

Any specialty certification that a new grad could earn quickly and easily would be rather worthless, imo.