Travel nurses have the unique opportunity to work in diverse settings with various patient populations, requiring specialized knowledge and a wide range of clinical skills. For you, a travel nurse, certifications validate your experience while ushering in opportunities and higher pay. Here are a few nursing certifications to explore. Good luck!

Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)

If you are a nurse with experience in emergency medicine, the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) certification can validate your expertise in the field. The certification focuses on the essential skills and knowledge needed for emergency care.

You will need a current RN license and at least two years of experience in emergency nursing. To retain your certification, you must also complete the certification exam and continue your education for recertification every four years. No advanced degrees are required to sit for the CEN exam.

Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) offers the credential of critical care registered nurse (CCRN). This specialized credential is for those providing direct care to acutely ill patients. The exam emphasizes the ability to make complex decisions, manage advanced technology, and provide care for critically ill patients.

To sit for the CCRN examination, you will need your RN license and the completion of a specified number of hours of direct care to critically ill patients. You must pass the CCRN exam and complete continuing education hours to retain the certification.  

Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

If you specialize in caring for children and adolescents, then the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) credential is for you. To obtain the certification, you must pass an exam covering a broad range of topics in pediatric health. The exam covers growth and development, disease management, and family education.

The minimum requirement to sit for the examination is a current RN license and a minimum of 1800 hours of pediatric clinical experience, 1000 of which must be direct pediatric experience completed within the last 24 months.

Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)

If your specialty is medical-surgical, the Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) can validate your expertise in adult health. To earn this credential, you must pass a thorough examination covering topics including pathophysiology, patient care, and best practices. It demonstrates your dedication to this crucial nursing specialty.

You will need your nursing license and two years of experience in adult medical-surgical nursing. Also required is a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in a med-surg setting within the last three years. Finally, you must pass the CMSRN certification examination.

Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)

If you specialize in caring for patients before, during, and after surgery, the Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) is a prestigious credential that recognizes your experience. Achieving this credential demonstrates a commitment to better patient outcomes and safety in the surgical environment.

Your RN license, two years, and 2,400 hours of experience in perioperative nursing are required to sit for this examination. Some employers also require a perioperative nursing program that includes didactic and clinical components. Passing the CNOR examination is the final step.

Why Certification?

You might wonder why you should invest your time and energy into obtaining a specialty certification. There are good reasons. Although nursing certification is not a guaranteed pay raise because it depends on the employer, it will open doors and perhaps get you tuition reimbursement. There are many other reasons for certification beyond the financial ones, including:

• In-depth knowledge. Certification will give you deep expertise in your area, making you an expert in your chosen field.
• Competitiveness. Continuous learning and staying current can give you a competitive advantage in the job market.
• Career advancement. Leadership positions in nursing frequently require certifications.
• Job prospects. Healthcare facilities are always seeking nurses with certifications. In high-demand specialties, certification is crucial and will make you a more attractive candidate.
• Non-monetary benefits. A certification will always give you a sense of accomplishment, increased job satisfaction, and a greater understanding of your profession.

Once you have your certification and are ready to work in critical care, pediatrics, emergency medicine, and other specialties, contact ADN Healthcare. The professional recruiters at ADN Healthcare are prepared to help you advance your travel nursing career.