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A nurse's dedication to lifelong learning and growth is at the core of any successful nursing career. As a nurse, it's important to stay up to date on the latest developments in the field. Being a Registered Nurse is another option.

What does it mean to be a Certified Nurse? Students in the field of nursing already have to deal with a bewildering array of nursing specializations, as well as continuing education requirements, and now the additional burden of RN certification must be added to the mix.

This post will address all of your questions regarding what a Certified Nurse is, how to become one, and why you should think about obtaining this certificate in the first place.

What Qualifies a Nurse to Be a Certified Professional?

Your state must first license you as a Registered Nurse before you may begin working in the field. As a result, you must enroll in an ADN or BSN program. Once you've finished the program and passed the NCLEX RN exam, you'll be able to work as a registered nurse. In order to practice medicine, one must be licensed.

On the other hand, certification is a voluntary process.  A nurse's certification is a statement of their experience, devotion, and quality inpatient care in a certain field. Certification as a certified nurse is a sign of a professional's commitment to the nursing profession and demonstrates their competence and dedication.

What Is the Process for Becoming a Certified Nurse?

Before you can become a certified nurse, you must first become a licensed nurse. As a rule of thumb, the most frequent route is to begin as an RN and work your way up through the ranks. Licensed Practical Nurses, on the other hand, have access to several certificates as well. Obtaining a PN license and passing the NCLEX-PN exam are prerequisites for pursuing one of these career paths.

Make sure that the certifying agency you choose has a recognized certification program in the field of nursing that interests you.

Certifications can be issued by a variety of organizations. American Nurses Credentialing Center, for example, provides credentials in a wide range of nursing specializations. Others have a far more focused approach to their work. 

Check to see whether you're eligible for certification.

As soon as you've located a certification organization that offers the one you're after, make sure your credentials are up-to-date. For each certification, there is a set of conditions that must be met. In most cases, that comprises a specific academic degree as well as a set number of work hours in the sector.

Verify that you've met all of the prerequisites.

A minimum of one or two years of experience in the field of certification is usually required before an application may be submitted. If you're interested in a certain area of nursing, you may need to take additional studies in that field. Once you've mastered the basics, you can go on to the next phase of the process.

Prepare yourself for the certification exam.

To earn your certification, you'll need to pass an exam. Make sure you've done everything you can to prepare for it. Take the practice tests and study resources. After this final leg, you'll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. You've earned your nursing credential and can now call yourself a Certified Nurse.

Conclusion

Nursing is a fulfilling profession that offers excellent chances for promotion, job stability, and financial rewards. If you are thinking about becoming a registered nurse, look into the several alternatives and career paths that are available to you.