NR 447 Direct Care Project Part 1

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-447: RN Collaborative Healthcare

Prof. Name:

Date

Direct Care Project Part 1: Assessment and Diagnosis

Assessment of Certification, Patient Outcomes, and Leadership

Clinical Certification and Target Population

The clinical certification selected for this project is the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN). The target population includes pediatric and public health nurses working in children’s hospitals. This certification aligns with the professional responsibilities and expertise required in these settings, ensuring nurses have specialized knowledge to provide optimal care for pediatric patients.

Rationale for Certification Selection

The CPN certification was chosen because of a strong personal passion for pediatrics and a desire to make a meaningful impact on children’s healthcare. This certification not only validates expertise but also provides numerous benefits for nurses, including enhanced career mobility, increased compensation, and recognition by employers, colleagues, patients, and their families. Nurses in specialty clinics and children’s hospitals can leverage this certification to advance their careers while improving the quality of care provided to pediatric patients.

Certification Criteria

Criteria	Details
Process to Obtain Certification	To obtain the CPN certification, candidates must hold a valid, unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or Canada. Additionally, they need: (1) at least 1800 hours of pediatric clinical experience within the last 24 months; or (2) five years as an RN with 3000 hours in pediatric nursing over the last five years, with a minimum of 1000 hours within the past 24 months. Eligible experience includes work in hospitals, ambulatory care, research, teaching, or consultation in pediatric nursing.
Cost of Application and Testing	The CPN exam costs $300, which includes a nonrefundable $100 registration fee.
Examination Description	The certification exam is computer-based and conducted at a Prometric Testing Center. It consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours.
Renewal Process	Recertification is required annually, with nurses completing 15 contact hours or equivalents accepted by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). Nurses can also submit hours in teaching, research, or academic credit. Renewal applications must be submitted between November 1 and January 31 of the expiration year.

Reference

Schroeter, K. (2015). The Value of Certification. Journal of Trauma Nursing, 22(2), 53-54. https://www.nursingcenter.com/journalarticle?Article_ID=2779001&Journal_ID=607948&Issue_ID=2779000

Summary of the Article

Schroeter (2015) highlights the significance of specialty certification in nursing. Certification serves as a testament to a nurse’s clinical knowledge, experience, and judgment within a specialized area of practice. While some certifications are mandated by specific roles, many nurses choose to pursue certification as a personal achievement. Certification benefits include career advancement, financial rewards, professional recognition, and empowerment. Furthermore, achieving certification often contributes to enhanced patient outcomes and personal satisfaction for the nurse.

Patient Outcomes and Leadership Skills

Patient Outcomes

Certified Pediatric Nurses (CPNs) significantly enhance patient outcomes in pediatric hospitals and specialty clinics. Research shows that certified nurses are associated with reduced patient fall rates, lower incidences of hospital-acquired infections, fewer medication errors, and improved patient satisfaction. Their specialized knowledge ensures better quality care and fosters positive health outcomes.

Leadership Skills

Certification equips nurses with advanced knowledge and skills, empowering them to take on leadership roles within pediatric settings. CPNs can mentor other nurses, guide clinical practices, and promote evidence-based care. By advancing into leadership positions, certified nurses help bridge the gap between traditional nursing roles and autonomous, multidisciplinary care coordination.

Problem Diagnosis Statement

Diagnosis Statement

Knowledge deficit related to CPN certification among pediatric nurses (target population and setting) as evidenced by increased medication errors (patient outcomes).

References

Schroeter, K. (2015). The Value of Certification. Journal of Trauma Nursing, 22(2), 53-54. https://www.nursingcenter.com/journalarticle?Article_ID=2779001&Journal_ID=607948&Issue_ID=2779000