Certified Nurses Day 2021

March 19 is Certified Nurses Day, an annual day of recognition for nursing leaders who demonstrate professionalism, excellence and service by seeking certification. This day acknowledges nurses who earn and maintain the highest credentials in their specialty, contributing to better patient outcomes. Started by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, this day of recognition is held on the birthday of Margretta “Gretta” Madden Styles, RN, EdD, FAAN, a pioneer in the field of nursing certification.

From ANCC: “Styles architected the first comprehensive study of nurse credentialing in the 1970s. She then pioneered the development and implementation of standards and credentials for nurses. In the 1980s, she spearheaded the definitive work of the International Council of Nurses on nursing regulation. Styles was a driving force behind the creation of the American Nurses Credentialing Center; she advanced nurse certification services and programs across the US and abroad.”

Getting certified is a personal choice, and we asked Texas Nurses Association board directors, members and staff to share their own reasons for seeking certification.

Gayle Dasher, PhD, RN, ANP-BC: For me, certification validates that I am in alignment with contemporary, evidence-based practice. That is personally and professionally satisfying. But more importantly, I hope it conveys that message to my patients — when I care for them, when I assess them, when I treat their illness, I am exercising a level of expertise and practice that is grounded in high-quality evidence.

Lucindra Campbell-Law, PhD, APRN, ANP, PMHNP-BC: Board certification is a licensure requirement for advanced practice nurses in all but three states, Texas being one of the states that require certification. No matter the requirement, I would have sought to sit for certification. Certification in your area of expertise sends a message to your patients, to your colleagues, and others in the medical and nursing community that you are an expert in your field and have met all of the criteria and have demonstrated all of the competencies to hold yourself out as a competent professional.

Steven D. Powell, MSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, CRRN, NHDP-BC: I chose to get certified to demonstrate not only my specialty knowledge base, but the passion and dedication for my areas of practice.

Michele Wieckowski, MSN, RN, PMH-BC: I invested in my certification because I felt like it enhanced my nursing licensure and gave me credit for the work I have done in my specialty. My experience in psychiatric nursing not only led me to my current job at the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses, but also stimulated me to go on and get my master’s degree and advanced practice licensure so that I could help more people across the state of Texas.

Serena Bumpus, DNP, RN, NEA-BC: I received my board certification as an advanced nurse executive through the ANCC in 2016. I chose to get certified because I like to be challenged, and I’m always looking for ways to advance my professional growth. Achieving and holding a national certification provides me with the knowledge and skills needed to lead and affect change within the profession and beyond.

Dawn Webb MSN, RN, PMH-BC: For me, my certification shows that I have clinical knowledge and expertise in my specialty area, psychiatric mental health nursing. Certification also gave me professional credibility to advance my career. As the director of TPAPN, my certification has helped me to transform the program into a resource for nurses who are experiencing mental health stressors. I take into consideration the support needed for nurses to maintain mental health and overall wellness, especially during the pandemic.

Cindy Zolnierek, PhD, RN, CAE: Certification validates one’s competency — knowledge, skill, and experience — in a particular area. I had been certified by ANCC as a nurse administrator in the past. When I joined TNA as chief executive officer, I achieved certification as an association executive — the credential that most aligns with my current role and is recognized by my association peer group as a sign of excellence. TNA members deserve no less from their CEO.