The unit the I work at, Med-Surg-Tele, offers Med-Surg certification for nurses with at least 1 year of med-surg RN experience. The certification consists of a comprehensive med-surg knowledge examination and allows for two attempts to pass the certification at no cost. If successful, you can become RN-I educator for the unit which may increase your wage $8,000-$10,000 annually.
Specialty certification offers many benefits to nursing profession including career growth, knowledge enhancement, increase in pay/incentives, job satisfaction, staff retention, and contributes to providing safe and quality care to patients. Obtaining a specialty certification indicates one’s interest in the area of nursing they chose, demonstrates forward professional development, dedication to excellence in nursing care, and provides a sense of self-fulfillment, empowerment, and pride. All these positive things will reflect and benefit the nursing profession as a whole.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. (September, 2017). Certification programs and benefits brochure. [PDF file]. Retrieved from https://www.aacn.org/~/media/aacn-website/certification/certprogbenefitsbrochure.pdf?la=en
Incentives are a great motivation; and as you mentioned having a specialty certification gives you a sense of accomplishment, self-fulfillment, etc. The more knowledge acquired makes you want to continue doing your best, benefiting not only oneself but the patients, family members, and the institution. We are in a profession where mistakes and errors can cause someone his/her life. Specialization gives us the tools to better take care of our patients.
That is amazing that your unit recognizes a specialty certification achievement! I agree that it is a positive reflection on the nursing profession and shows that we care about excellence.