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Nursing is one of the most economically stable and highly rewarding careers available on the job market today. The demand for highly qualified nurses has continued to grow over the last several decades. One decision many nurses may grapple with is whether they should pursue extra certifications once they have obtained their licenses. There are many benefits that come with pursuing additional certifications. Following are some of the best reasons why every nurse should at least consider acquiring an additional certification.

Enjoy Better Job Prospects

While nursing careers are high in demand, it is also a highly competitive field. This is especially true when it comes to more prestigious healthcare facilities. Adding additional certifications to your resume will help you stand apart from the crowd and will show your dedication to perfecting your knowledge and adding to your skill set. Not only can extra certifications expand your personal knowledge, but they may also increase your chances of obtaining your dream job.

Earn More Money and Raise Your Annual Income

Nurses who have received additional certifications will not only benefit from adding to their nursing skills, but they will increase their chances of finding a higher-paid position. Some positions within the nursing field that pay more are looking for nurses who have gone “the extra mile” to pursue additional credit hours in order to remain current and up to date on standards of care. This doesn’t just apply to those who are licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. When it comes to benefits, a cme nurse practitioner can also enjoy better job prospects and obtain higher salaried positions.

Validate What You Know

Regardless of your field of choice, it’s always important to validate what you have learned throughout your training. This is especially true in the field of healthcare. Because nurses are responsible for the health and wellbeing of patients it is highly important that they demonstrate their competency through both their daily work as well as by fulfilling their obligatory continuing education credit hours. Nurses who go a step further by obtaining additional certifications demonstrate that they are highly knowledgeable in their field and are dedicated towards helping their patients in the best way they know how. Some certifications are particularly high in demand. A few certifications that hospitals are looking for are wound care, medical-surgical, and critical care certifications.

Demonstrate Your Clinical Competence and Judgement

By receiving additional certifications you are not only demonstrating your clinical competence and judgment, but you are also making yourself a more valuable asset to your workplace. If budget cuts ever call for a hiring freeze or terminations there is a higher chance that you will be retained above another nurse who may not have any additional certifications. Although research suggests that the demand for nurses will continue to rise through 2028, you never know what could happen beyond those years. By receiving additional certifications you can be assured that you will be retained in case something happens in the future.

There are many reasons why both new and veteran nurses may not pursue additional certifications. Many nurses may not be aware of the benefits that come from receiving additional training and certifications. Others find it difficult to find the time to do so with their busy schedules. Fortunately, there are programs available that can help you receive the training you need that will also fit into your schedule and are highly affordable. Not only will additional certifications allow you to enjoy a higher salary and stand apart from the crowd, but they will also give you the confidence you need to tackle the most difficult challenges and circumstances if they were to arise.