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Today, on National Certified Nurses Day 2023, we celebrate and recognize the efforts and dedication of certified nurses in the US healthcare realm. This day owns and honors the commitment, dedication, and expertise of certified nurses who have demonstrated mastery of a particular specialty through rigorous testing and continuing education.

The certification not only highlights the proficiency of nurses in their respective fields. However, it also reflects their dedication to providing the highest level of patient care. Certified nurses are equipped with the latest knowledge and best practices in their areas of specialization, ensuring that their patients receive the best possible care. As we celebrate National Certified Nurses Day 2023, it is great to acknowledge the pivotal role certified nurses play in the healthcare industry. We express our gratitude for their tireless efforts to improve patient outcomes and promote excellence in nursing practice.

History Of National Certified Nurses Day

The history of National Certified Nurses Day dates back to 2008 when the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) declared March 19th as the day to recognize certified nurses. The ANCC is a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and is responsible for nursing certification in the United States.

The idea behind National Certified Nurses Day was to create awareness about the importance of certification in nursing. One more reason to celebrate this day is to recognize the contributions of certified nurses to the healthcare system. National Certified Nurses Day gently reminds non-certified nurses of the benefits of obtaining certification and encourages them to pursue it.

Dr. Margretta – Nursing Certification Pioneer
March 19th was chosen as National Certified Nurses Day because it is the birthdate of the nursing certification pioneer, Dr. Margretta “Gretta” Styles, RN, EdD, FAAN. In the 1970s, Dr. Styles implemented stricter credentialing standards to validate nursing expertise. She was also instrumental in the foundation of the ANCC.

Over the years, National Certified Nurses Day has gained significance and recognition in the nursing community. National Certified Nurses Day 2023 is an opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of these tireless and selfless nurses. It is a day to honor the contributions of certified nurses who significantly impact the healthcare system and to inspire other nurses to pursue certification.

National Certified Nurses Day 2021- Recognizing Nursing Amid The Pandemic

National Certified Nurses day 2021 was especially significant given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the vital role of certified nurses in our healthcare system.

In 2021, the American Nurse Credentialing Centre(ANCC) encouraged healthcare organizations to celebrate National Certified Nurses Day 2021 by recognizing the contributions of certified nurses in their workplaces and communities. The ANCC also emphasized the importance of ongoing professional development and continuing education for nurses, particularly amid the rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

In addition, National Certified Nurses Day 2021 also highlighted the need for increased diversity and inclusivity in the nursing profession. The ANCC emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing the systemic barriers that prevent individuals from diverse backgrounds from pursuing and succeeding in a nursing career. Moreover, they encourage healthcare organizations to promote diversity and inclusion in their nursing staff.

How To Celebrate National Certified Nurses Day 2023?

Observing National Nurses Day 2023 is significant to acknowledge and express gratitude for the tireless efforts and commitment of nurses in delivering vital healthcare services. Below are some suggestions on how to celebrate this day.

1. Acknowledge Nurses Certification

Achieving certification demonstrates a nurse’s commitment to their profession and dedication to providing the best possible care to their patients. Obtaining a certificate requires the investment of time, effort, and resources. It even involves additional education, training, and exams. By pursuing certification, nurses expand their knowledge and skills and stay current with the latest trends and best practices in their field. Therefore, it is essential to acknowledge the certification achievement of a nurse. It shows that their professional growth and development are valued and appreciated, which can contribute to increased job satisfaction and motivation.

2- Inspire New Nurses

National Certified Nurses Day 2023 is a tremendous opportunity to encourage future nurses by highlighting the importance of nursing certification and its impact on patient care. We must promote and support nursing education and training programs. Moreover, we should encourage individuals considering a career in nursing to pursue it. By showing appreciation for certified nurses in our healthcare system, we can encourage the next generation to follow this rewarding career path. By doing it, we can help ensure a strong and skilled nursing workforce for years to come.

3- Seek Input From Nurses

It is vital to create channels of communication that are accessible and inclusive for all nurses to seek input from nurses on National Certified Nurses Day 2023. It includes online surveys, social media polls, virtual focus groups, or email correspondence. It is essential to provide clear instructions and guidelines on how to participate and to ensure that anonymity and confidentiality are maintained for those who wish to share their views. Additionally, it may be helpful to collaborate with nursing organizations and associations to encourage participation and amplify the voices of nurses on this not-so-ordinary day. By seeking input from nurses, we can better understand their experiences and perspectives. It will help us work towards improving the recognition and support of certified nurses in the healthcare community.

4- Extend Support

Donating to a nursing charity or organization is an excellent way to show support and appreciation for the honorable job nurses do for us. Many nursing charities and organizations provide support, resources, and assistance to nurses in various ways, such as scholarships, professional development, advocacy, and research.

Donating to a nursing charity or organization can have a life-long impact on the nursing community by providing resources and support to nurses in need. Additionally, it can lead to efficient patient care by helping nurses to stay current with the latest research and trends in nursing practice.

Some examples of nursing charities and organizations that accept donations include the American Nurses Association, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and the National Student Nurses Association.

How To Become A Certified Nurse

Becoming a certified nurse can be challenging and requires completing a rigorous educational program, passing a national licensing exam, and meeting state-specific requirements. The following steps may involve becoming a National Certified Nurse.

1. Educational Requirements

The educational requirements to become a certified nurse typically involve earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program. These programs can be demanding and require significant time and effort to complete.

2- Obtain a Nursing License

After completing their education, aspiring nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to obtain their nursing license. The NCLEX is a comprehensive exam that tests a nurse’s knowledge of nursing practices, procedures, and regulations.

3- Additional Certification

Once licensed, nurses may pursue additional certifications in various specialties, such as pediatrics, oncology, or critical care. These certifications often require supplementary education, experience, and testing.

Also read: Inspiring Stories Of Women Who Have Broken Barriers

Conclusion

This year, celebrate National Certified Nurses Day 2023 with HealthCareTalentLink HCTL – to honor, thank, and love our caregivers. Let’s take the time to show our appreciation for the certified nurses who have gone above and beyond to ensure that patients receive the best care possible. Whether it’s a simple thank you, a kind word, or a small gift, every gesture counts and can make a significant difference in recognizing the passionate work of certified nurses.

So, on this National Certified Nurses Day 2023, let’s come together to celebrate and recognize these incredible professionals who have dedicated their lives to caring for others. Let’s show them our gratitude and let them know that their zealous efforts and expertise are valued and respected. Together, we can make this day a memorable and special occasion for all certified nurses.