One respected illustration of excellence for nurse faculty is the designation certified nurse educator (CNE(R)). Nurse educators who proudly include CNE in their credentials are recognized for their dedication to and investment in nursing education and nursing, and for their professional accomplishments and commitment to attaining the nurse educator competencies.
In 2005, the NLN published "Transforming Nursing Education," which recommends that "faculty identify themselves as advanced practice nurses since teaching is an advanced practice role that requires specialized knowledge and advanced education and since certification now exists as a way to recognize expertise in the role" (http://www.nln.org/about/position-statements/archived-position-statements, italics added). The Certified Nurse Educator Program, now 10 years old, first received national accreditation in 2009 from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, renewed in 2014.
The mission of the NLN's Nurse Educator Certification Program is to promote excellence in the advanced specialty role of the academic nurse educator. The goals are to acknowledge the certified nurse educator as an advanced specialty role; recognize the role's knowledge, skills, and abilities required to demonstrate excellence; reinforce the nurse educator competencies; and promote lifelong learning through professional development. As of May 31, 2015, we have 4,887 individuals who have earned the CNE designation. What an accomplishment!!
Eligibility requirements for taking the CNE exam have evolved over time and are based on the results of multiple CNE practice analyses. A practice analysis assesses activities undertaken when implementing roles and responsibilities required for a particular professional role. Presently, there are two options whereby an individual can sit for the certification exam. The individual must hold an active RN license and have either: a) a master's, post-master's, or doctoral degree with emphasis in nursing education or graduate-level education courses (nine hours) or b) a master's or doctoral degree in nursing, other than nursing education, and two years of experience in an academic nursing program within the last five years.
I recommend that you visit the NLN website for detailed information about fees and registration (http://www.nln.org/professional-development-programs/Certification-for-Nurse-Edu). For those of you who already hold the CNE designation, the website offers information about recertification. Also on the website is a link to the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Handbook, which contains invaluable information and resources to promote success on the exam.
I received my initial CNE designation in 2007 and was recertified in 2012. I found the practice exam to be a huge asset in preparing for the exam because it helped identify gaps in my knowledge and allowed me to focus my preparation time on certain areas. One can also choose to take a live NLN-sponsored review course, given throughout the country on a regular basis and as a preconference option at the NLN Education Summit. In addition, Dr. Linda Caputi has edited the NLN's Certified Nurse Educator Review, available for purchase from the NLN Bookstore (nln.lww.com), an essential text for aspiring CNEs and nurse educators across the academic spectrum.
The CNE designation sends a message to our students and our profession about how we value nursing education. I am very proud of my certification as an academic nurse educator and strongly encourage you to join me. In fact, each year at the NLN Education Summit, I, like my peers, carry a handsome red canvas bag signifying that I am a CNE. At the Summit in 2014, red honor cords were introduced for nurse educators to wear during graduation ceremonies. They were a hit
At the 2015 NLN Education Summit, "A New World of Innovation and Technology," we will hold a special celebration for CNEs to recognize the 10th anniversary of the program. The NLN and its membership are doing great things. I hope you will be there and help us celebrate.