Nurse leader certification preparation: how are confidence levels impacted?
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to examine the effect of a nurse leader certification preparation course on the confidence levels of the participants.


BACKGROUND
Limited literature is available regarding nurse leader development and certifications. Barriers exist related to lack of confidence, high cost, time and lack of access to a preparation course.


METHODS
Nurse leaders (n = 51) completed a pre- and post-survey addressing confidence levels of participants related to the topics addressed in the nurse leader certification preparation course.


RESULTS
There were statistically significant increases in confidence levels related to all course content for the participants. At the time of the study, there were 31.4% of participants intending to sit for the certification examination, and 5 of the 51 participants successfully sat for and passed the examination.


CONCLUSIONS
A nurse leader certification preparation course increases confidence levels of the participants and removes barriers, thereby increasing the number of certifications obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
The health-care climate is increasingly complex and nurse leaders need the expertise to navigate the ever-changing health-care environment. Certification in a specialty, such as leadership, serves as an indicator of a high level of competence in the field.
Academic Health Center, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Stacey
S
Junger
Mother Baby Unit Academic Health Center, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Nicole
N
Trinkle
School of Nursing, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Norma
N
Hall
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002568:Certification / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000193:education*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
certification; confidence; leader; nurse; preparation