Reasons why emergency nurses take or do not take the certification examination in emergency nursing

The purpose of this descriptive, exploratory study was to identify reasons that motivate the emergency nurse to take the Certification Exam for Emergency Nursing (CEN exam); reasons certified emergency nurses (CEN) give concerning their decisions to recertify; and a comparison of demographic characteristics in relation to these reasons. A random sample of 500 registered nurses who are currently members of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) and who are working in the emergency department was obtained from the ENA. These nurses received a questionnaire packet containing a cover letter explaining the purpose of the study, a combined Educational Participation Scale (EPS) and Deterrents to Participation Scale (DPS), a personal data questionnaire, and a return envelope.