Need Advice on Certifications - New RN,BSN

[trina9230]

Hi All-

Quick question, can anyone recommend certifications that new grads should consider? I have the BLS and plan on taking the ACLS certification within the next month. I was wondering are there any others that I should take, that will strengthen my knowledge base and experience?

I am currently working at a LTAC that is actually apart of a major hospital system, the facility is actually a free standing building that sits on the main hospital's campus so I am afforded an opportunity to work with a variety of healthcare professionals - especially ones from the Orthopedic areas as my facility does a lot of rehab for patients that receive knee, hips (transplants) and amputations in the main hospital. Also we receive a lot of the stroke patients as well.

I haven't identified an area of strong interest as of yet as I am a recent new grad.

Thanks in advance for your responses, so much wisdom on this site and I am thrilled that others are willing to share their experiences and knowledge.:loveya:

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

I am in the same situation. I talked to my prev boss (I was a home health aide) and she said I could become gerontological nurse, which are going to become higher in demand with the again process. The facility where I going, they want the rehab side to more of a true stepdown (lots of hips, knees, strokes, like your facility); more of an acute care. I haven't decided either, but I am going to a great facility, so we will see what happens!

Good Luck!!!!

[CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN]

From what it looks like, you need about 2 years of experience to get some certifications (like Gerontology). I think PALS is another training/certification like ACLS but for pediatrics (I'm not interested in peds).

I don't know if your state requires it, but you could always do some CE Courses (Continuing education). Some states require CE credits to renew licenses, and some hospitals also may require them.

https://www.nursingquality.org/ has a NDNQI module set for pressure ulcers. You get 1.5 CE for it. I just did it (my job required it) and i found it pretty helpful.