The American Nurses Credentialing Center indicates that nurses who continue their education to gain board certification have met high professional standards. As a result, their competency in the field is evident to a wide variety of potential medical employers. They command the highest salaries and rarely have trouble finding work.
According to the "Journal of Nursing Education," nurses who diversify their professional skills contribute directly to improved patient safety. Continuing nursing education enables nurses to develop strong expertise levels for the benefit of patients.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center recommends that nurses renew their certifications every five years. Typically, nurses are notified at least six months in advance of their certification's expiration so plans to renew can be made in a timely manner.
Continuing nursing education to renew licensure offers a number of specialty courses designed to help nurses carve out a niche in the field. Course types can include acute pain management, forensic evidence collection or courses associated with digestive or psychological disorders.