Development Opportunities
Discussion: CertificationsAs you are aware, numerous nursing organizations offer opportunities for professional development, community service, and information gathering. There are also many certifications you can obtain through professional societies or organizations. Certifications recognize an individual’s specialty area knowledge and skills and can lead to professional empowerment. By obtaining certifications, you can help improve your quality of practice and increase your earning potential.In this Discussion, you consider development opportunities afforded through professional associations and examine how earning certifications can advance your career.To Prepare:Think about the benefits of becoming involved in professional organizations and obtaining certifications.If you already have a specialty or clinical certification, reflect on how this has impacted the achievement of your professional goals thus far.Review the webpages about professional certifications.Think about how a certification does or does not support your professional goals.As you explore each organization’s website, review the mission, vision, and value statements. Also examine the strategic plan, if possible. How do these align with your interests and your professional goals?Investigate whether the organization offers networking opportunities with fellow professionals. Is there a local or regional chapter you could join?What are the potential benefits of obtaining a certification through each organization? Examine the criteria for certification.Evaluate your readiness and desire to become certified through each organization. What hesitations, if any, do you have?How and why might this certification be useful to you and/or enhance your professional development?Post a description of the professional certification(s) that interest you and explain why. Then, explain the benefits of the certification(s) and the requirements for sitting for the certification(s). Lastly, explain your plans for preparing to obtain the certification(s). (Please have this at least a paragraph with three APA references)
