"It's in to be certified." That comment was overhead by a GRAC board member at one of our events. With more hospitals looking toward Magnet designation there is an increased awareness of the need for certified nurses. Recognizing this growing need GRAC has been devoting a significant portion of our energy and funds to the goal of promoting certification and providing certification test preparation.
Funding is always an issue when a chapter wants to sponsor successful certification test preps. GRAC started by putting together a presentation on the value of certification. This presentation was then shared by a board member in a one-on-one meeting with the CNOs and directors of critical care at the local hospital systems. Through this effort and relationship building with the various hospital systems the chapter has secured funding to assist with certification test preps as well as a commitment to support nurses who want to attend the preps.
"Encouraging initial and ongoing professional certification of chapter members" is a core objective in the chapter's strategic plan.
Certification is encouraged and promoted at every GRAC event, as well as the success of past preps, noting upcoming prep dates and recognition of certified nurses attending the events.
Ask a critical care nurse in the Richmond community what the local chapter of AACN does and the topic of certification will come up. Promoting certification has become and will continue to be a core part of the chapter's identity.
