Certification as Catalyst:
Advancing Perianesthesia Nursing Through Specialty Certification and Credentialing

Thursday, March 19, 2026

7 PM - 8:00 PM EDT / 6 PM - 7:00 PM CDT / 5 PM - 6:00 PM MDT / 4 PM - 5:00 PM PDT

In celebration of Certified Nurses Day™, observed annually on March 19, and in partnership with the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification (ABPANC), this presentation examines the professional value and impact of specialty nursing certification, with focused application to perianesthesia practice. Participants will explore the history and purpose of certification credentialing, the distinction between licensure and certification, and current evidence linking certification to patient outcomes, safety culture, and professional advancement. Barriers to certification, including cost, time, and perceived return on investment, will be addressed alongside evidence-based strategies to promote a culture of certification within PACU and ambulatory settings. This session recognizes certification as a voluntary, rigorous commitment to excellence, public protection, and lifelong professional growth.

Target Audience: All professional nurses

Outcome: To enable registered nurses to increase knowledge on the professional, clinical, and organizational value of specialty certification demonstrated by 80% or more of the participants scoring 100% on the post test

Case Presentations: Any case studies discussed during the program are fictional and do not reflect any real persons or events

Requirements for successful completion: To successfully complete this program, you must attend the program in its entirety, and complete the online evaluation, prior to the deadline. Complete within two weeks (14 days) to receive contact hour credit.

Contact Hour 1.0

ACCREDITATION

American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses, (ASPAN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Additional provider numbers: Alabama ABNP0074