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Show Supporting Acute Rehabilitation Nurse Certification BACKGROUND • Low CRRN certification rates in acute rehabilitation • Barriers: Lack of confidence, mentorship, and support2,3 • Certification improves: o Professional development2 o Patient outcomes1 o Nurse retention4 METHODS Framework: The Clinical Scholar Model5 Design: Quality Improvement Project Mentorship Program Components: • Quarterly education sessions: o Certification requirements • Mentor/Mentee pairing o Exam prep • Monthly 1:1 mentorship session o Reducing test anxiety • Certification Support Council guidance Brochel Leatherow, BSN, RN, MSN Student Angela Page, DNP, APRN, PPCNP-BC Mykala Nelson, DNP, FNP-C INTERVENTIONS Specialty certification enhances patient care, nurses’ confidence, and retention1,2. However, many acute rehabilitation nurses do not seek certification due to a lack of support, mentorship, and professional confidence2,3. Research demonstrates that structured mentorship increases engagement, confidence, and certification rates2,3. This project aims to bridge these gaps by utilizing a formal mentorship program. • Study planning and resource Through Mentorship Steps: • Obtain leadership approval • Recruit CRRN-certified nurse mentors • Enroll novice nurses (0-2 years of experience) • Provide: o Monthly mentorship meetings o Quarterly education sessions (whole group) • Conduct pre/post surveys • Implement study plans and support resources IMPACTS Short-Term Impacts: • Improve Nurse Confidence2 • Improve knowledge of CRRN certification3 • Improve motivation to pursue certification1 Long-Term Impacts: • Improve certification rates3 • Improve nurse retention2 • Improve patient outcomes and quality of care1 • Improve interprofessional collaboration Organizational Impact: • Culture of professional development2,3 • Leadership skill development CONCLUSIONS • Protected leadership supported time The project demonstrates that formal mentoring can help nurses overcome barriers to specialty certification in acute rehabilitation settings. Helping nurses build confidence and encouraging organizational support will increase nurses' willingness to pursue CRRN certification. Formal mentorship programs can increase retention rates, clinical competence, and improve patient care. REFERENCES 1 Coelho P. (2020). Relationship Between Nurse Certification and Clinical Patient Outcomes: A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of nursing care quality, 35(1), E1–E5. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000397 2 Dierkes, A. M., Schlak, A. E., French, R., McHugh, M. D., & Aiken, L. (2021). Why Some Nurses Obtain Specialty Certification, and Others Do Not. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 51(5), 249–256. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000001009 3 Wei, H., Haddad, L. M., Nwokocha, T. A., Powers, M., Wei, A., Carroll, Q., & Ballard, N. (2023). Organizational culture and roles in promoting nurse specialty certifications: A qualitative study in the United States. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 10(2), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2023.03.003 4 Drury, Z., Kotobalavu, C., Hofmann, L., & Austria, M. J. (2022). Examining the Effects of a Structured Mentorship Program on the Nurse Mentor: A Pilot Study Engaging Oncology Nurses. Clinical journal of oncology nursing, 26(1), 27–30. https://doi.org/10.1188/22.CJON.27-30 5 Dusin, J., Melanson, A., & Mische-Lawson, L. (2023). Evidence-Based Practice Models and Frameworks in the Healthcare Setting: A Scoping Review. BMJ open, 13(5), e071188. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071188 6 Vexels.com (2026). Caring Medical Professionals. In Freeimages.com. https://www.freeimages.com/photo/caringmedical-professionals-0410-5710109 Vexels (2026)6 |
