ABNS is pleased to present an unprecedented opportunity to sponsor a national research project that will examine trends in specialty certification of RNs in acute care hospitals using a unique nursing data resource – the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators® (NDNQI®). This research proposal fits precisely with the priorities identified in the ABNS unified certification Research Agenda.

This research project will be headed by Dr. Diane Boyle, the NDNQI principal investigator. The proposed study will add significantly to the evidence base on trends in specialty certification, including how the prevalence of specialty certified RNs impact patient safety. Such evidence is fundamental to the profession’s ability to demonstrate the utility of promoting specialty certification among RNs and hiring certified RNs.

The study will:

• Identify trends related to specialty certified RNs in acute care hospitals from 2003 to 2009.
• Identify specialty certification trends that are related to the hospital structure characteristics of Magnet® status, staffed bed size, ownership, teaching status, and location.
• Identify specialty certification trends among different unit types.

Download the project description.

Project Update
Fall 2010

Phase I of the NDNQI Research Project is underway. Twenty-six member organizations have joined together to sponsor this research that will add to the evidence base on trends in specialty certification, including how changes in the prevalence of certified RNs impact patient safety. The project is being carried out by an interdisciplinary team at the University of Kansas Schools of Nursing and Medicine led by Dr. Diane Boyle as the Principal Investigator. The research team designed, developed, and now maintains NDNQI on behalf of the American Nurses Association (ANA).

The aim of Phase I is to: Identify trends related to specialty certified RNs in acute care hospitals from 2003 to 2009. a. Identify specialty certification trends that are related to the hospital structure characteristics of Magnet® status, staffed bed size, ownership, teaching status, and location.
b. Identify specialty certification trends among different unit types (e.g., critical care, progressive care, medical, surgical, medical-surgical combined, rehabilitation).

Phase I is estimated to take 12 months and progress reports are expected approximately every four months. For questions about the NDNQI research project, please feel free to contact Melissa Biel at mbiel@nursingcertification.org or 562-496-2462.