Certified Bad Ass: Alphabet Soup? What All The Letters Behind Your Name Mean & Why It Really Matters

I'm sure you've seen it before: Erin Raiolo, M.Ed, BSN, RN, CEN, CNEcl, TCRN. Every nurse I know signs their emails with their credentials and boasts about their accomplishments. I'm sure you've asked yourself, what the heck are all those letters for behind that nurse's name? When I first saw all those letters behind the nurse's name, I thought "Okay overachiever, we get it." The truth is, certifications and credentials matter!

I remember being a brand-new baby ER nurse and I saw another nurse with a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) pin on their work badge. I instantly thought, "That's cool, should I be doing that?" I remember various preceptors telling be how hard the CEN test was, almost like it was some impossible feat.

But then I worked a shift with a credentialed nurse and my opinions shifted. It was a train wreck of a shift: Code Blue, meds flying, family and staff crying, chaos everywhere. The CEN RN - cool as a cucumber. She didn't need to brag, her experience and knowledge were evident. It was in that moment that those letters behind her name were just resume glitter - they meant something. To be honest, I wanted that knowledge and that confidence too.

What Certifications Really Do (Besides Looking Good On A Badge Reel)

Certifications prove that you've put in the time to learn, study, take another scary nursing board exam, and master a deeper level of knowledge in your specialty. Dare I say, some may even consider you a sought out "expert" in that area of knowledge. These credentials show you're serious about your craft and it shows your co-workers and patients you value education and you are prepared for anything.

The more we know, the better we can care for our patients. Certifications and continued education helps bridge the gap between "I think and I know". This means safer and smarter nursing care and better patient outcomes.

How Can You Obtain A Certification?

1. Pick ONE certification that fits your area of nursing practice (ER? Try CEN. ICU, CCRN)

2. Download or purchase a review book

3. Practice as many questions as you can before your board exam. Read the rationale even if you get the question correct. You can learn a lot from the rationale like why an answer is best.

4. Set a date. Register. Commit.

5. Find a study buddy or online community - you're not alone in this certification journey!

   
   

Do you have a certification you're proud of? Studying for one now? Drop it in the comments below! I'd love to cheer you on all the way to those extra letters!