CNA certification is a nationally recognized nursing specialty credential for nurses. Earning this credential shows your employer, peers and clients that you are a dedicated professional committed to lifelong learning, patient advocacy and professional practice. Certification is a great way to demonstrate your continuing competence in your nursing specialty. It can also help you fulfil some of the quality assurance program requirements of your employer and/or licensing body.

 

Registered psychiatric nurses can apply for certification in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and Gerontology.  Certification is not a licensing or jurisprudence exam, but demonstrates “practice excellence and commitment to lifelong learning beyond academic achievement; valued by employers, because certification demonstrates advanced, specialized-knowledge and brings many benefits to organizations and is viewed as having enhanced professional credibility” (CNA website, 2023).

 

Certification is also an accepted credential towards college licensing requirements.  Renewal can be completed via continuous learning hours, and is readily achieved  by being a Member of the CFMHN and by participating on the CFMHN Performance Teams.