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Ask the expert: Track nurse credentials

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, June 10, 2008

This week, a reader asks how to track nurses who earn advance degrees and certification. Read the response below from our advisorBarbara Hannon, RN, MSN, CPHQ, coordinator for the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA.

Q: How do you track nurses who earn advance degrees and certification?

A: At the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, we devised a database with HR that details an individual nurse’s highest degree, type of degree, and professional certification. While the database is maintained by HR, nurses are required to update it annually. The database features two dropdown menus: one that allows nurses to choose degrees and another that lets them choose a certification from a pre-designed menu list. The pre-designed certification list allows us to have control over what certifications are acceptable within our profession.

Another option for capturing nurse credentials is by creating a professional profile paper document, which nurses fill in with a pencil or pen. Once you gather the necessary information, implement it into a database.

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