Waste of time/money to earn extra certifications?

[Summers3]

Hello!

I am still fairly new to where I am working. I wanted to study and pass the exam for a certification in the field I am working in. But a friend from school (who also is in nursing) stated that was a waste of time. Stating that "what is the use of extra certifications/licenses if you don't have the knowledge/skills/experience to back it up? People just like the certifications b/c it makes their resumes looks good or they can boast to others about it to make themselves look better."

I understand her reasoning but I can't agree with it. But I'm fairly still new and inexperienced my in own skills/experiences so I can't argue with her standpoint.

I understand her point. I plan on staying in my position for years to come, and I understand if you would compare me at five years of experience vs a new grad with zero experience but with an extra certification in that same field, I understand my 5 year experience looks better than a certification with no experience at all....

However. How can I response to that? She stated "Then what's the point of pursuing a med surg certification? Just work in med surg and gain experience/skills that way! Or what's the point of getting a end of life certification or oncology or rehab or women's health or so and so certification? "

We recently had someone hired into management position bc she had her MSN in that area (before she was floor nurse). My friend even said "What good is her MSN? She has zero experience and doesn't know what she's doing anyways."

I explained that school and experience is different and nobody knows everything when they're just hired anyways! But my friend is not convinced. She even thinks membership to nursing associations is a waste of time and money too. I wanted to do ACLS but she stated "you don't need ACLS where you work so why do it? Just do normal BLS." :/

I was excited to start studying for a certification in my field (the test itself is $300-400, $100s of studying material, months of studying/effort) but I wanted to do it. But now my friend said this, it dimmed my excitement and now I question myself I wanted to sit for this test.

I understand her reasoning but I can't agree with it. But I'm fairly still new and inexperienced my in own skills/experiences so I can't argue with her standpoint. I want to do this certification (not just to put on my resume) but to learn more specifically the details/skills of the field I am working in in hopes to boost my knowledge and strengthen my skills (to an extent).

Thoughts?

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

I got my MSN almost two years ago now and it opened a lot of doors for me. Since then, my wage growth has stagnated. I got my specialty certification about 6 weeks ago. Since then I have had a job offer for nearly $12K more per year than I currently make.

It was easily the most difficult exam I have ever taken and I feel pretty darn good about my knowledge level in having passed it. It has, apparently, put me at the front of the line to get interviewed and has done nice things for my salary.

Your friend can argue against it all she wants. Doesn't mean you have to listen. There is always going to be someone who naysays people for having aggressive goals. If I had listened to those types I never would have become a nurse at all. Ask any medical institution and they will tell you they have a specific percentage goal they need to reach for certified nursing staff. It matters.

[SC_RNDude]

Your friend isn't completely wrong. It is a good thing for a resume. When everything else is equal, may put you in front of other candidates when you apply for other jobs.

There are other ways to gain the same knowledge, but don't look as good on a resume.

It is a money-making venture for the ANCC. In addition to the initial certification and the costs that goes with it, you have to pay a few hundred dollars every few years to keep it valid.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Get ACLS...that certificate WILL enhance your practice ASAP when your patient goes south. As for the certification in your specialty? Definitely pursue it once you have 2-plus years of practice.

I'm studying for the CPEN after 3 years of practice-I find the review course (along with ENPC and TNCC-both certificate courses) are helping my practice; I hope to be a CPEN in early 2019.