As leaders in the AACN community, you have a pivotal role that positions you as catalysts for change and champions of excellence. Your influence uniquely equips you to not only ignite enthusiasm but also to disseminate valuable information regarding Certified Nurses Day 2024 and the profound significance of professional certification.
In recognizing your ability to shape perspectives and inspire action, we have curated a set of compelling ideas aimed at kindling a spirit of celebration for certified nurses in your circle of influence. By passionately highlighting the invaluable contributions of certified nurses, you have the power to instill a sense of pride and appreciation among your peers. Moreover, by underscoring the transformative impact that certification can have on both individual careers and the broader healthcare landscape, you have the potential to motivate others to embark on their own certification journeys, contributing to a community of highly skilled and dedicated healthcare professionals.
Together, let's amplify the purpose of Certified Nurses Day, fostering a culture that not only recognizes but actively celebrates the commitment and expertise of certified nurses.
Acknowledge Certified Nurses
- Order AACN's Certified Nurses Day buttons using our Resource Order form and give them to all the certified nurses you know.
- Download thank you cards, posters and more to share with certified nurses in your facility - and urge your colleagues to do the same.
- During February and March, please support AACN's Certified Nurses Day community engagement efforts on social media by sharing and adding comments, photos and/or videos to our posts. Also, consider posting a recognition photo or video on your own social media pages and tagging AACN (Facebook: @aacnme; Instagram: @exceptionalnurses).
- Recognize certified nursing professionals during a unit, council or chapter meeting. This recognition not only honors their professional dedication and commitment to excellence, it builds awareness of the value of certification for all nurses.
- Provide our sample Certified Nurses Day media release template to your facility or chapter marketing/public relations team, and encourage them to customize and distribute the release to their media list.
- Develop an article for your newsletter or intranet.
Celebrate Certified Nursing Professionals
- Talk with nurse managers, educators, APRNs and administrators about their plans for Certified Nurses Day 2024. Even if your organization is pressed for time and resources, there are many ways, large and small, to acknowledge and honor certified nurses. Provide them with a link to AACN's Certified Nurses Day webpage for tips, resources and information.
- Invite area hospitals and units to attend your celebrations - or participate in theirs.
- Partner with area chapters of other nursing specialty organizations to recognize and support certified nurses.
- Encourage the certified nurses in your workplace or chapter to be proactive - and creative - in initiating their own celebrations. Even small gestures are appreciated and help make certified nursing professionals feel appreciated. Direct them to AACN's Certified Nurses Day webpage.
- Send photos, videos and descriptions of your facility's or chapter's Certified Nurses Day festivities to certification@aacn.org so we can include them in social media and future promotional communications. Show your pride in the importance of certified nurses.
Empower Certified Nurses
- Motivate certified nurses to pause and reflect on their own achievements, and how they've made a difference in the lives of patients, families and colleagues. We know that nurses tend to downplay the importance of their nursing contributions, and this day can serve as a valuable reminder that their perseverance helps others.
- Encourage certified nursing professionals to identify and talk with colleagues about considering certification. Engaging in one-on-one conversations with a peer about the benefits of certification and success stories can serve as a powerful source of motivation.
- Sponsor a certification review course at your chapter or facility, and develop a study mentor program.
- Organize scholarships for certification milestones - review courses, exams and renewal during benchmark years (e.g., 10, 20 and 30 years of certification).
Educate About Certification
Educating individuals about the importance and value of certification is crucial to promote excellence. Certification serves as a testament to an individual's skills, knowledge and commitment to maintaining high standards in their field. By emphasizing the significance of certification, the dedication of certified professionals and the positive impact on the quality of services they provide is highlighted. It becomes a pathway to continual learning, professional growth and improved patient outcomes in the healthcare profession. Ultimately, education about certification is a key driver in fostering a culture of competence, credibility and excellence, benefiting both professionals and the communities they serve.
As healthcare becomes increasingly complex and challenging, the value of certification as a mark of excellence is more important than ever. Achieving board certification demonstrates to patients, employers and the public that a nurse's knowledge reflects national standards and a deep commitment to patient safety. Visit AACN's Certification webpage to learn more and help educate others.
Familiarize Others About the History of Certified Nurses Day
Certified Nurses Day, celebrated annually on March 19, honors and recognizes the invaluable contributions of certified nurses to the healthcare industry. The history of this day traces back to the 20th century when the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) granted its first nursing certification in 1973.
The concept of recognizing certified nurses gained momentum as the nursing profession sought to emphasize the importance of specialized knowledge, skills and expertise in the field. The establishment of Certified Nurses Day aimed to not only applaud the achievements of certified nurses but also to raise awareness about the significance of nursing certification in ensuring high standards of patient care.
Over the years, Certified Nurses Day has evolved into a global celebration, acknowledging the dedication and commitment of certified nurses everywhere. It provides an opportunity for healthcare institutions, colleagues and the community to express gratitude for the exceptional contributions of certified nurses and their ongoing pursuit of professional development.
As the role of nurses continues to expand and diversify, Certified Nurses Day remains a vital occasion for reflecting on the history and evolution of nursing certification. It stands as a testament to the resilience and expertise of certified nurses who play a crucial role in elevating the quality of healthcare delivery across various specialties and settings.