title: The perceived value of certification by certified perioperative nurses.
abstract: We conducted this study to determine the perceived value of certification in perioperative nursing. Following development and pilot-testing, we mailed the 18-item Likert-type instrument, the Perceived Value of Certification Tool (PVCT), to a sample of 2750 perioperative nurses who had earned the CNOR or CRNFA credential or both. A total of 1398 surveys were returned (50.8% response rate). Factor analysis extracted three factors, accounting for 61% of the variance: personal value, recognition by others, and professional practice. Internal consistency reliability testing (Cronbach's alpha) identified a standardized alpha of.924. Over 90% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with statements about the value of certification related to feelings of personal accomplishment and satisfaction, validating specialized knowledge, indicating professional growth, attainment of a practice standard, personal challenge, and professional commitment, challenge, and credibility. These results are consistent with previously published literature on specialty certification in nursing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Education, Shepherd College, P.O. Box 3210, , Shepherdstown, WV 25443-3210, USA. kgaberso@sheperd.edu
authors.forename: Kathleen B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Gaberson
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schroeter
authors.forename: Aileen R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Killen
authors.forename: Wendelny A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Valentine
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002568:Certification; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D013527:Perioperative Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires