Certification linked to greater sense of empowerment compared to non-certified peers
THURSDAY, May 6 (HealthDay News) -- Nurses certified in critical care are more satisfied with their jobs and careers and feel more empowered than their non-certified peers, and may be less likely to leave a job or the profession altogether, according to research published in the May 1 issue of the American Journal of Critical Care.
Joyce J. Fitzpatrick, R.N., of Case Western University in Cleveland, and colleagues conducted a national online survey of 6,589 members of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). The survey asked questions regarding participants' perceptions of work-related empowerment, as well as about their future plans within the profession. The responses of nurses who were certified by AACN and those who were not were compared.
The researchers found significant differences in perceptions of empowerment between the two groups, with nurses certified by AACN having higher scores. Certified nurses were also significantly less likely to leave their current position than were non-certified nurses. Further, the researchers found that nurses not intending to leave their job -- or the nursing profession altogether -- expressed higher empowerment scores in general.
"Important additions to the literature are the findings regarding differences in empowerment
related to specialty certification. The preparation and subsequent retention of a highly qualified and committed specialty nursing work force is key to high-quality patient care and smooth functioning of health care organizations. Certified nurses offer knowledge, experience, and confidence to the institution," the authors write.
The study was funded by the AACN Certification Corporation.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)