We Do It for Our Patients.

I was told by a nurse attending a CCRN/PCCN review course that he had no intention of sitting for the certification examination. His response when I asked why was, “I will not be paid any more, my hospital does not pay for the test, and frankly I just don’t see any reason to do it.” When asked why he had come to the review course, he answered “Oh, I like to learn, it was free, and I’m being paid to be here.” I asked the nurses attending the review who had raised their hands indicating their intent to take the examination, all of whom worked for the same health system, why they were going to sit for the examination. The enthusiastic response I got was split among 2 themes: “I’m doing it for myself ” and “I’m doing it for my patients.” One of the hallmarks of a professional is selflessness and lifelong learning. Striving for and achieving certification falls into both of these categories.