Essential Licenses and Certifications for Career Growth in Nursing

Nursing is a fast growing, challenging, and rewarding field of work. While this statement may seem obvious to insiders, there are many curious candidates that may have questions as to the type of work and lifestyles that accompany the nursing profession, namely what career growth and development looks like in such a competitive industry.

As with other industries there are plenty of ways for professionals to advance their careers. Some may do this through the straightforward approach of consistent hard work, others may transfer from office to office with each new promotional opportunity made available on job forums. Another way to go about career growth in the medical field though is to spend time furthering one's education by gathering essential licenses and certifications.

As an often effective, respected, and quicker way to enhance one's knowledge base without having to enroll in expensive two or four year programs, nursing certifications like one in pediatric life support or licenses like the compact nursing license are great ways to advance a career.

Here is a short list of some options for licenses or certifications that will grow one's career in nursing.

BLS Certifications for Nurses

Basic Life Support, or BLS, is a fundamentally beneficial certification for healthcare providers, including nurses, that teaches essential life-saving techniques. These skill sets include things like the familiar cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), AED usage, and relief of choking in people of various ages. BLS certification equips healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to respond to cardiac emergencies and potentially save lives.

Being a nurse often means having to be the first point of contact for patients in critical situations. Having BLS certification— and all the other training that comes with an RN or NP degree— helps to ensure that a nurse can provide immediate and effective care in a variety of complex medical scenarios.

Additionally, many healthcare facilities require BLS certification for employment, and having this certification can make you a more attractive candidate for job opportunities because it communicates a commitment to patient care and the ability to handle potential emergency situations.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support

One essential certification that can greatly benefit your career growth in nursing is the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, or ACLS. An ACLS is a specialized training program designed for healthcare professionals and a good idea for anyone that may spend more time involved in emergency or life-threatening situations.

Most of what may accompany a stressful scenario like this is the monitoring and management of heart attacks or other cardiovascular emergencies like strokes. They also will be trained in how to read specific equipment or tools that encourage proper respiration in life threatening situations. This certification goes beyond basic life support training and focuses on advanced interventions to improve outcomes in a host of critical moments.

There are a lot of healthcare facilities that make it a requirement for nurses to have an ACLS certification to work in critical care units, emergency departments, and other high-acuity settings. Going out of the way to get an ACLS certification is a great way to communicate a higher level of commitment to ongoing education and professional development that would prepare someone for more advanced roles like as nurse consultant.

This trait is desirable to employers while also demonstrating to colleagues a level of professionalism and expertise that is good to have in the medical field.

Licensed Practical Nurses

A Licensed Practical Nurses or LPN, is a nurse that is registered and permitted to provide basic medical support services like checking vital signs, caring for patients’ basic needs like feedings, cleanings, all under the supervision of RN’s or doctors. These licensed professionals can work in a variety of environments such as nursing homes, Physicians’ offices, or as private help in homes.

The tasks they are able to perform vary from state to state and are limited to the supervision provided, but typically performing tasks like monitoring vital signs, changing bandages, keeping records, or interacting with patients fall under this certification. This license is a great choice for those considering becoming an RN or NP but are not sure if they want to make a full commitment.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

The PALS certification is a type of specialized training which was designed to help better prepare nurses to work with sick infants and children. This certification empowers nurses with additional knowledge and specific skills which might be needed to assess and manage emergencies that are unique to children. It is important to note that before going on to work on a PALS certification, a BLS certification must have been earned. Training typically lasts about 12 hours, and the identification cards last for two years.