This presentation will address exceeding expectations through certification. While all nurses must maintain licensure to practice, certification reflects an achievement above the standards of licensure for a certain specialty. Certification assures the public that the healthcare provider is not only licensed, but committed to a higher standard of competencies and ongoing participation in educational activities. Aside from the personal and professional motivation to receive and maintain certification, research has shown certified nurses are making more money, are happier in the practice, and most importantly, certification has a significant positive impact on patient care and patient safety.

The information presented will be based on an article submitted to Gastroenterology Nursing covering current research in two areas: the perceived value of certification within the nursing community, and the actual value of certification in regards to both professional and monetary rewards and patient outcomes. Lastly the need for more research linking certification to increased positive patient outcomes will be discussed.

Section Description

We are pleased to present the abstracts from SGNA's 33rd Annual Course, SGNA on a Mission: Exceeding Expectations. The diversity of these topics certainly reflects the richness and breadth of our specialty. In keeping with the tradition of the Annual Course, we hope the following abstracts will encourage discussions for improving nursing practice and patient care outcomes.