Retiring in 3 yrs, Should I Get my CEN Certificate?

Nurses Nurse Beth

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Nurse Beth,

I earned my BSN in 1980 and worked in a variety of settings over the years, mostly critical care. I've worked in the ER FOR THE LAST 10 years. I have tried testing for various certifications before, but have not ever tested well because of anxiety. I'm planning to retire at age 62, about three years from now. Would it be worthwhile to test for my CEN?

Dear Retiring in 3 yrs,

I guess the question is, is this on your bucket list to overcome your test anxiety and earn your certification? If so, it'd be a good idea to do it.

As far as measurable benefits, it's probably pennies a month, and while pennies add up, there is the cost of testing.It does establish you as an expert, but so does your work history.

I would think about what it means to you to earn your certification and then decide. It seems important to you, because you wrote in about it. It would be a wonderful accomplishment for you to succeed at this.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

If you can inspire your coworkers to seek certification by doing so, then yes! Well worth it. As an experienced nurse who clearly values certification, this is a behavior you can demonstrate for the next generation, to show them that there is a lot of satisfaction in achieving a board certification and demonstrating a passion for the profession of emergency nursing. Or hey, maybe it's just 175 questions standing between you and monetary recognition from your employer, if you get something from them. Where I work, we get $1000 for any applicable board certification each time we earn it or renew it. Pretty sweet!

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.
If you can inspire your coworkers to seek certification by doing so, then yes! Well worth it. As an experienced nurse who clearly values certification, this is a behavior you can demonstrate for the next generation, to show them that there is a lot of satisfaction in achieving a board certification and demonstrating a passion for the profession of emergency nursing. Or hey, maybe it's just 175 questions standing between you and monetary recognition from your employer, if you get something from them. Where I work, we get $1000 for any applicable board certification each time we earn it or renew it. Pretty sweet!

I love that your facility pays $1,000! I'm taking that idea to mine!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I love that your facility pays $1,000! I'm taking that idea to mine!

Part-time employees get $500. It's a great benefit!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Another reason to get certified even in the later stages of your career:

A lot of people think they will retire (and stay retired) in their early 60's. But when they hit that age, they realize that they would like to work a little longer -- either because they are not emotionally ready to retire, or because some financial need has arisen that they did not anticipate. So they work a little longer.

Some people prefer to semi-retire ... drop their work hours to part time at their current job .... or get another job that is part time. Some actually quit their jobs completely ... and then find in a few months or year or so that they would like to work part time.

Regardless ... there is a chance you will find yourself on the job market in the next few years, looking for a new job. 62 is fairly young to retire. If you can do it, great. But you might want to work part time for a few more years. Being certified will help you get another job because a up-to-date certification will indicate that you have kept up-to-date in your education and practice.

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