“Who wants to be a CERTIFIED Millionaire?” A Multifaceted Approach to Increasing Certification

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) certification is important because it shows a strength in knowledge and a drive for continual learning in this specialty nursing. <h3>Identification of the problem</h3> The number of certified nurses in the PACU has declined and nurses qualified to take the certification exam express concern due to the financial burden and concern of failing the exam. <h3>QI question/Purpose of the study</h3> The goal is to increase perianesthesia nurse certification through education and financial incentives. <h3>Methods</h3> In 2019, an educational initiative was launched to increase staff awareness of importance, benefits and support available for certification. Education on certification was provided at unit meetings, in an American Society Perianesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) formal webinar review, availability of a library of study resources and in creating an interactive game show study review. A three-part education series provided benefits of certification, test taking strategies and test questions in a game show format known as, "Who wants to be a Certified Millionaire." The leadership provided financial support with a class day for the webinar review, purchasing unit study resources and trialing a voucher program to discount the cost to retake the test if needed. <h3>Outcomes/Results</h3> The anticipated projected outcome of the financial and educational interventions is that perianesthesia nursing certification rates will increase in the PACU. Already 20 nurses have purchased vouchers and plan to take the exam within the next 12 months. Dual certification is being sought for the first time within perioperative services by at least 5 nurses. <h3>Discussion</h3> Nurses have stated they have learned a lot and understand more about the complex PACU patients. As individuals pass or fail, we can identify knowledge gaps that we can than focus interactive educational offerings towards. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Advocating for certification has increased interest and commitment to take the exam. <h3>Implications for perianesthesia nurses and future research</h3> The educational certification initiative has increased staff engagement, satisfaction and interest in becoming certified.