The Importance of Board Certification.

The investment to support and obtain board certification demonstrates a nurse leader's commitment to their staff, the organization, and the communities they serve. It is important for nurse leaders to appreciate how organizational support of board certification can positively impact patient care and to be advocates for funding to support board certification for their staff. This month's Magnet® Perspectives column discusses the empirical evidence, as well as the professional value of certification.

Clinical practice opportunities for advanced practice nurses.

With approximately 132,000 practicing APNs and a continued need for APNs, the role will continue to expand. Many different business options and models for healthcare practice exist for the APN. Commonly thought of professional practice options for APNs include private practice, joint or collaborative practice, and group practice. Each model of professional practice brings with it different roles and responsibilities, rewards and challenges, and criteria for success. When evaluating different practice opportunities. APNs must be aware of each of these factors and evaluate each factor based on his or her chosen lifestyle. This article has presented an overview of common practice models and the roles and responsibilities, challenges and rewards, criteria for success, and lifestyle considerations inherent in each.