Abstract: Pathway to Excellence Through Nursing Specialty Certification

International Council Of Nurses

ICN Congress 2025 Helsinki

 

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Abstract: Pathway to Excellence Through Nursing Specialty Certification
Authors: Marie Graziela F. Bautista, MSN, RN, CPAN, CAPA; Lori Furtado, CAE, ICE-CCP; Judy Huntley, CMP
Organization: American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification, Inc. (ABPANC); New York, NY USA

In today’s complex healthcare environment, nurses must possess advanced skills and knowledge to deliver safe and high-quality patient care. Specialty nursing certifications, such as the Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) and the Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) serve to reinforce these competencies. Certification not only validates a nurse’s expertise but also contributes to professional growth and recognition. Research has demonstrated a strong correlation between specialty nursing certification and improved patient outcomes, including reduced pressure injuries, patient falls, hospital-acquired infections, and mortality rates (Coelho, 2019). Furthermore, certified nurses often report greater job satisfaction, which is linked to improved nurse retention and decreased attrition (Halm, 2021).

This presentation aims to highlight the benefits of specialty nursing certification as an essential investment in both patient outcomes and workforce stability. By examining the relationships between certification, patient safety, and nursing retention, we explore how healthcare organizations can cultivate a culture of excellence through support for specialty certification.

A comprehensive review of recent literature was conducted to assess the impact of nursing certification on patient care and workforce dynamics. Results from CPAN and CAPA certified nurse surveys as well as studies from peer-reviewed journals, were analyzed to explore outcomes related to nursing certification. Emphasis was placed on the role of certification in reducing adverse patient outcomes and enhancing nurse retention (Altounji, Williams, & Secola, 2019; Dierkes et al., 2021).

Certified nurses have been shown to provide higher-quality patient care, with research indicating lower rates of pressure injuries, patient falls, and hospital-acquired infections (Coelho, 2019; Coto et al., 2020). Additionally, organizations that support nursing certification see improvements in nurse retention and job satisfaction. Certified nurses report feeling more recognized for their skills and expertise, leading to greater job fulfillment and lower attrition rates (Boyle, 2020; Halm, 2021). The ANCC’s Magnet Recognition Program® further supports the value of certification by emphasizing its role in fostering excellence in nursing practice and improving patient care (Van Wicklin, Leveling, & Stobinski, 2020).

References

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    International Council Of Nurses
    ICN Congress 2025 Helsinki
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