CNA Certification
Designed and offered by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), the CNA certification is one of the most important highlights of the country’s respected certification program. The program is developed by the Canadian nurses for their peers. It is nice to know that for long years the CNA certification has been considered by employers, patients and the public and professional licensing bodies as an important indicator that the nurses attending the clinics, hospitals and other health care centers are qualified and trained in certain specialties in nursing.
The CNA certification was first instigated by a membership request in June 1980. It was initiated that time through a so-called biennial resolution that directs the association to conduct feasibility studies on developing examinations for certification in major nursing specialties.
Speaking of specialties, the CNA certification now offers about 17 nursing specialties to choose from. The specialties include cardiovascular nursing, community health nursing, critical care nursing, critical care pediatric nursing, emergency nursing, gastroenterology nursing, gerontology nursing, hospice palliative care nursing, nephrology nursing, neuroscience nursing, occupational health nursing, oncology nursing, orthopaedic nursing, prenatal nursing, preoperative nursing, psychiatric health nursing, and rehabilitation nursing. Registered nurses who wish to take up one of these specialties simply select the nursing specialty they are interested in.
With all the specialties covered, the CNA certification program allows registered nurses to earn a certificate that will help boost their credentials, giving them greater chances of finding and obtaining the best employment opportunity possible. Numerous claims also have it that the CNA certification, also known as Specialty certification, was designed specifically to help registered nurses stay current by testing and evaluating their specialized knowledge and skills. As a result, the certification could confirm that you have been validated for competency in certain nursing specialties.
However, just like any certification program, the CNA certification is not so easy to take. There are requirements needed to meet. One of the most important is to pass the certification exam offered to test how competent a registered nurse is when it comes to level of expertise. The cost of the examination is pretty reasonable, but varies according to the association’s policy. Once the requirements are met, the CNA certification will be released and is renewable.
Today, the CNA certification is considered as one of the largest and promising certification programs available. Majority of nurses in Canada are considering this certification knowing how beneficial it is for them and for their employment.