Celebrating certification in nursing: forces of magnetism in action.

Professional certification in nursing is a measure of distinctive nursing practice. The rise in consumerism in the face of a compelling nursing shortage and the profession's movement to elevate nursing as a career option has given prominence to the value of certification in nursing. The value of certification is not only significant for nursing practice rather the focus on professional certification is also essential to meet multiple standards within the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Magnet Recognition Program for excellence in nursing services. This article describes one hospital's success with a critical care nurse certification drive. The article identifies ways in which an organization can take elements of a professional certification drive to show-case the forces of magnetism and to provide evidence that a Magnet-aspiring organization meets required Magnet standards.