Abstract
This article discusses issues related to nursing certification in hospice and palliative care, such as the components of a comprehensive certification program, the benefits of obtaining the credential for both staff and employer, and preparation for certification, as well as creative methods of recognizing certified staff used by organizations nationwide. This article also explores the need for more research in relating certification to patient outcomes, as desired by the public in assisting to establish competence and public safety. The emerging discussion of continuing competence and its relationship to hospice and palliative nursing is introduced for consideration.