Certification? direction essential

Continuing education for nurses i s an un- questioned fact. However, there is mount- ing controversy regarding the question of standards and control. Should it be volun- tary? Should it be mandatory? Should it

be tied to state licensure? Should it be a matter for professional associations at the state level or i s it possible to provide a na- tional certification, perhaps through Amer- icon Nurses' Association?

Prior to ANA's biennial convention, May 1972 in Detroit, a birds-eye view of nurs- ing activity relative to this subject would have visualized 50 state associations flurry- ing around in all directions. There was a frenzied urgency to provide a framework for continuing education needs, and to offer the necessary methods of control and certification. Specialty organizations for nursing, such as AORN, were also involved in trying to establish some logical standard for control.

Now, after ANA's convention, that same sense of frenzy and frustration exists. NO clear direction was given by the ANA House of Delegates. An amendment to a resolu- tion on continuing education which said, "Be it resolved that ANA go on record as

supporting evidence of continuing educa- tion as one condition for the renewal of licensure as a registered nurse," was de- feated by a large majority.

The issue was discussed at several ses- sions but consensus was, the time i s not right for definitive action. I, for one, am disappointed - this issue offered ANA the opportunity to gain substantial strength as a guiding and directing leader for the nurs- ing profession. But they chose the direction of nondirection. Is this yet another lost op- portunity for nursing strength and unity?

The responsibility i s left just where it was at the state and local level. And, 50 states are left with the responsibility to do their own thing.

Are we to repeat the same costly mis- takes we have made in the past? I refer to the years nursing labored without a stand- ardized national exam for licensure, and to the difficulty of reciprocity between states and the hampered mobility of nurs- ing.

Some states are moving strongly toward requiring evidence of continuing education as a requirement for relicensure. Others

July 1972 11

are supporting voluntary certification which would not effect licensure.

Our system of state licensure i s a tool to protect the public and it may fulfill that obligation with regard to the beginning practitioner. It in no way offers that same protection to the public in regard to the continuing practitioner.

Licensure has historically perpetuated

mediocrity in nursing. To tie continuing ed-

ucation to licensure may seem to be a posi-

tive step to improve and "patch up" an in-

adequate and antiquated system. I believe there are better methods open to nursing, perhaps a national certification system in-

stead of relicensure would be more appro- priate. If continuing education and all the inherent standards, controls, and the me-

chanics involved were the responsibility of ANA, through its network of state associa-

tions with a national certification, the fol- lowing positive benefits would be realized:

1. A national standard would be met im-

mediately; no wasted time and energy on independent action by state and specialty associations.

2. Assurance of interstate mobility in terms of transfer of C E units.

3. Responsibility and authority would be placed within the profession and not within the politics of state government.

4. ANA could expect an increase in mem- bership even though it was established on a voluntary basis. Pressure for evidence of C E activity would be great in terms of pro- fessional performance evaluation and in- herent career mobility. In other words, chance for advancement without evidence of continuing education would be minimal.

One expected criticism might well be that this approach may be viewed as a power play by ANA. Surely, such action could be considered favorable and posi- tive for an association whose responsibil- ities are great and whose benefits are reaped by all of nursing. Isn't it time our professional organization assume t h a t power and in turn be required to demon- strate competency commensurate with that authority and responsibility? z

--Betty Thomas, RN Editor

11 "Look t o +he opereding room . . . "Look to the operating room for your role as a nurse in the future." These words draw attention t o the rewards awaiting those who are considering a career in operating room nursing, and appears on the new 7" by 91/2" mailer, which opens into a bulletin board poster. It i s available from the Education Department at AORN Headquarters.

The poster i s illustrated with an operating room scene, and colored in bright magenta, yellow, green and blue. The text on the poster describes the duties o f the operating room nurse before, during and after surgery: the demands and rewards of OR nursing: and the education and licensure requirements of the operating room nurse.

You can get your copy of th is eye-catching recruitment mailer by writing the Education Department, AORN Headquarters, 8085 E Prentice, Englewood, Colorado 801 10.

12 AORN Journctl