March 19 is Certified Nurses Day

Of the 4.3 million nurses in the U.S., more than 1 million hold at least one professional certification. Becoming certified requires meeting specific education requirements and passing a standardized exam, with ongoing renewal ensuring up-to-date expertise. Certifications beyond RN licensure validate a nurse’s specialized knowledge and skills, benefiting the nurse, the hospital, and patients. On March 19, Certified Nurses Day honors nurses who pursue professional excellence through specialty certification. The date coincides with the birthday of Dr. Margretta Madden Styles, a pioneer in nursing credentialing.

“Certification validates a nurse’s specialized knowledge and clinical judgment, which directly improves confidence and patient care,” said Terri Hunter, DNP, MPA, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, vice president and chief nursing officer at Washington Health.

There are more than 200 nursing specialties and subspecialties, and certification endorses a nurse’s expertise and commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based patient care. Certified nurses earn credentials such as CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse), CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist), and FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner), reflecting advanced knowledge and proficiency within their specialty areas. Research consistently demonstrates that higher rates of certified nurses are associated with improved patient safety, lower infection rates, and reduced mortality, including lower failure-to-rescue rates.

As health care becomes increasingly complex, demonstrating expertise is more vital than ever. Nursing certification provides patients and their families with assurance that the nurse caring for them has validated knowledge and proven competence in their specialty.

At Washington Health, 27.4% of nurses hold at least one professional certification, and 89% have earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing — both exceeding national benchmarks. As a Magnet® designated organization, Washington Health actively supports certification through exam reimbursement, on-site study sessions, and flexible scheduling.

“We are proud of our highly educated, board-certified nurses whose commitment to excellence consistently drives superior patient outcomes,” Hunter added. “We appreciate their engagement and expertise on this special day of recognition — and every day.”

To read more about the nurses of Washington Health, see the Nursing Section of the latest HealthSigns: Annual Report Edition available online at WashingtonHealth.com/annual-report