title: Thinking about certification.
abstract: Earning certification in your area of expertise is a logical step in professional growth. Certification implies excellence, which is something that all critical care nurses strive for in their daily care of patients and families. This brief article will discuss why certification is important and how to prepare for a certification examination and will provide steps to make recertification easier.
authors.affiliation: Bellarmine University School of Nursing, Louisville, KY 40223, USA. vmiracle@aol.com
authors.forename: Vickie A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Miracle
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002568:Certification / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003422:Critical Care; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D013041:Specialties, Nursing / Q000193:education*