Measuring the Value of Academic Nurse Educator Certification: Perceptions of Administrators and Educators.

Abstract

Certification is one option for validating the professional competence of academic nurse educators. The relative value associated with such certification has not yet been established. Psychometric analysis of a new Perceived Value of Certification Tool for Academic Nurse Educators (PVCT-ANE) was conducted. Certified nurse educators (CNE) and noncertified nurse educators and nursing program administrators responded to an online survey using the PVCT-ANE. A sample of 718 nurse faculty members and administrators from 48 states in the United States participated. Academic nurse educator certification was valued by nurse educators and administrators as representing specialized knowledge, attainment of a professional standard, educator competence, and professional credibility. Value statements associated with satisfaction and professional accomplishments were rated higher than statements associated with professional recognition and marketing. The PVCT-ANE is useful for assessing how different groups perceive the value associated with academic nurse educator certification. [J Nurs Educ. 2019;58(9):502-509.].