Certification Takes Nursing Above and Beyond

There’s no doubt that it takes a special touch to be a nurse, but it also takes a lot of hard work and dedication.

“A large percentage of Texas Children’s nurses go above and beyond, the moment they decide to become certified,” said Tangula Taylor, director of nursing at Texas Children’s Hospital. “Certification is not a requirement – it’s an option for nurses who wants to enhance their career by increasing their knowledge base and applying it to daily practice.”

Nurses at Texas Children’s are certified through various credentialing organizations, including the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the National Certification Corp. and the National Certification Board of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Nurses. Each organization administers examinations that require intensive study and preparation. A national task force of pediatric nursing leaders and specialists develops and writes the exams.

Emily Weber, a nurse manager at Texas Children’s, recently became credentialed as a certified pediatric nurse.

“Certification requires intense work and dedication, but I strongly recommend it to any nurse who is just entering the field,” said Weber. “Certification has provided me with not only a specialized skill-set but with many other benefits as well. Among those benefits is the sense of accomplishment and achievement I have as a pediatric nursing professional.”

Many units at Texas Children’s strive to be among those with the most certified staff. Currently, the renal dialysis unit is one of the front-runners, while other units are making it a top priority.

“It’s really amazing to see the motivation among our nurses to achieve something that increases their professional accomplishments, as well as enhances the quality of care we give our patients,” said Taylor. “Earning certification is really reaching for the stars.”

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/05_01_03/page_26.html