Theory and Certification

Why Certification? It is the state requirement after completing the specialty MSN track for PMHNP; Certification is necessary for licensure. The American Nurses Credentialing Center is the certification body that credential the PMHNP’s. After graduating from a CCNE/ACEN Mastered, Post Mastered, or a Doctoral PMH, the graduate can start the credentialing process with the ANCC by submitting all documents for validation; transcripts, degree confer, educational forms with the initial fee of $395.00. When the certifying body approves all requirements, the authorization to test is sent. The candidate has a window period of ninety days to take the examination, a computerized test.

According to (Schroeter, 2015) “certification recognizes clinical knowledge, experience, and clinical judgment within a specialty.” Certification in my specialty track, the PMHNP, will validate my knowledge. These skills will promote better patient care. Also, patients, families, and employers will benefit; patients/families like to be cared for by knowledgeable staff. Certification can enhance my career goals for professional advancement in nursing by advancing to higher clinical and financial success standards.

Nursing theory application can benefit me personally and advance the nursing profession,  as it “provides the foundational knowledge that enables nurses to care for their patients and guides their actions” (Gaines, 2020).  For example, when hospitals create policies and set safe staffing assignments for units. Gaines adds that “nursing theories help bedside nurses evaluate patient care and base nursing interventions on the evaluation of the findings” (2015). The use of research in practice helps advance the nursing profession. As Gaines states, “advanced practice nurses, nurse scholars, nurse educators, and nurse researchers are most likely to be up to date on current nursing theories and their impact on the nursing profession” (2015). Personally, when my focus on patient care aligns with Dr. Katherine Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory; administering an anti-anxiety medication to relieve anxiety. The patient experiences comfort in the sense of relief.