Certified Nurses Day
Certified Nurses Day, is observed every year on March 19 that honors the dedication, commitment, and skills of certified nurses who compete for excellence in caring for patients.
This day shows how important nursing certification is in raising healthcare standards and how dedicated those who are dedicated to excellence in their profession are.
With their specialized expertise, compassionate care, and dedication to continuous learning, certified nurses are essential in fostering healthier communities and motivating future healthcare leaders.
Origin of Certified Nurses Day
Certified Nurses Day was created in 2008 by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Nurses Association (ANA). Observed each year on March 19, it marks the birthday of Dr. Margretta “Gretta” Madden Styles, a trailblazer in nursing certification who championed the value of professional credentials in nursing.
Background of Nursing Certification
Nursing certification programs have developed to meet the need for specialized skills in healthcare. The American Nurses Association (ANA) helped establish formal nursing education and standard qualifications in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
As healthcare grew more complex, specialized certifications in fields like pediatrics, anesthesia, and critical care emerged to ensure nurses had the necessary expertise.
In 1991, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) was formed to oversee certification, setting standards and validating nurses' expertise in various specialties.
Certification became a mark of professionalism, opening doors for career advancement and new opportunities for nurses.
Today, the ANCC offers a wide range of certifications in specialties like Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Executive, and pain management. Nurses must keep up with continuing education to keep their certification.
Certified nurses play a key role in improving patient outcomes by applying specialized skills and contributing to high-quality care in healthcare settings.
Benefits of Certifications For Nurses
- Certification enhances expertise, helping nurses deepen their knowledge in their specialty.
- It creates opportunities for career advancement, including leadership roles.
- Nurses gain recognition as credible experts, boosting confidence and professional credibility.
- Certification promotes better patient care through the application of evidence-based practices.
History of Nursing
Nursing has deep historical roots, with the term “nurse” originating from the Latin word “nutrire,” meaning to suckle, linked to the role of wet nurses.
In ancient civilizations, such as India, Emperor Ashoka (268-232 BC) established hospitals along travel routes, equipped with medical tools and staffed by nurses, as emphasized in the
Charaka Samhita, written around 100 BC. During the Middle Ages, Christianity played a key role in nursing, with early Christian nurses like Phoebe, mentioned in Romans 16:1, caring for the sick.
Hospitals were founded by religious orders, including St. Basil the Great's in the 4th century. The 19th century marked a turning point with Florence Nightingale, who is regarded as the founder of modern nursing, revolutionizing patient care and hygiene standards during the Crimean War.
Nursing began transitioning into a formal, secular profession during this period, with the establishment of training programs and professional standards. In the 20th century, nursing evolved further, gaining recognition as a major profession, especially among women.
Healthcare research, management, and policy were all contributed to by nurses. The introduction of certification programs, like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in 1991, solidified nursing's professional status and allowed for specialization.
How to Observe Certified Nurses Day
The finest way to observe this day is by expressing gratitude to certified nurses for their admirable work and dedication.
You can also share information about certification programs with fellow nurses and organize workshops or seminars highlighting the benefits of certification.
Use hashtags like #CertifiedNursesDay to share stories and appreciation online.
Certified Nurses Day reminds us that professional growth is a journey, encouraging nurses to pursue specialization and excellence.
Through certification, nurses enhance their careers and uphold the standard of care patients deserve. By celebrating this day, we honor the dedication of certified nurses and support continuous improvement in the profession.
Recommended Articles
