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Honoring Certified Nurses Day: A Celebration of Dedication

On March 19, healthcare organizations and communities worldwide will come together to celebrate Certified Nurses Day, an occasion dedicated to honoring the remarkable contributions of nurses who are committed to enhancing their skills and patient care. The Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) stands at the forefront of this celebration, acknowledging specialty certified nurses who provide critical care across various medical fields, whether in civilian healthcare systems or military settings.

The Commitment to Excellence in Nursing

The significance of Certified Nurses Day extends beyond mere celebration; it highlights the ongoing commitment of nurses to operate at the highest standard of care. Certified Registered Nurses (RNs) voluntarily choose to obtain certifications that validate their expertise, illustrating a profound dedication to advancing patient care, safety, and health outcomes. According to Janie Schumaker, the CEO of BCEN, "Certified Nurses Day celebrates nurses who invest in themselves to deliver the highest level of patient care."

With nearly 55,000 emergency, pediatric emergency, trauma, flight, critical care transport, and burn nurses certified by BCEN, the acknowledgment reflects not only individual achievement but also a collective effort toward setting exceptional standards of care in the nursing profession.

Inspiring Stories and Resources

This year, BCEN showcases the journey of Gretchen Brown Carroll, an inspiring double board-certified emergency/trauma nurse, as part of its national "Invest in Yourself" campaign. The story, titled "Silver Linings, Stronger Than Ever," recounts her resilience and commitment to nursing, reinforcing the power of professional development within the field.

Additionally, BCEN is refreshing its free Nurse Recognition Kit, which includes downloadable materials such as note cards, flyers, and posters featuring a fresh design along with the popular "RN-credible" theme. This kit serves as a valuable resource for nurses and healthcare employers alike to honor and recognize certified nurses for their dedication and hard work.

Milestones in Nursing Certification

Alongside celebrating individual achievements, Certified Nurses Day also marks significant anniversaries for two of BCEN's esteemed certification programs. The Critical Transport Registered Nurse (CTRN) certification celebrates its 20th anniversary this month, while the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) program recently turned 10. These milestones underscore the evolution and significance of specialized nursing certifications and the growing importance they have in improving patient care.

The Numbers Behind the Certifications

As of early March 2026, the number of registered nurses holding BCEN’s nationally accredited certifications totals over 65,000 across six specialty programs. More than 41,500 nurses have earned the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) designation, over 5,800 are Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurses (CPEN), and nearly 9,000 hold the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) certification. Impressively, the demand for the Certified Burn Registered Nurse (CBRN) certification, launched globally in October 2023, has surged by 35% this past year, indicating the program’s rapid acceptance among nursing professionals.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Opportunities

As we celebrate Certified Nurses Day, BCEN also plans to expand its voucher program, allowing nurses and their employers to access discounted rates for practice exams and courses. This program is designed to further enhance the affordability and accessibility of professional development resources for nurses, ensuring that more RNs can achieve certification and excel in their respective fields.

Engaging in the Celebration

BCEN encourages everyone to participate in the #CND2026 festivities on social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. By sharing stories, experiences, and recognitions around Certified Nurses Day, you're helping to create a community that values and appreciates the hard work of nurses everywhere.

About BCEN

Founded in 1980, the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing nursing excellence through specialty certification programs. BCEN's certifications are essential tools that empower nurses in the emergency medical field, underscoring their commitment to patient care and improved health outcomes. The certifications range from the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) to the Certified Burn Registered Nurse (CBRN), all of which are accredited and recognized nationally.

Learn more about BCEN and the various certifications available at bcen.org.