Approximately one-half million, or 20 percent, of the 2.5 million registered nurses in the United States have achieved specialty certifications.  A 2006 study that included 11,000 certified and non-certified nurses and nurse managers found that the top perceived values of certification include:

• Enhanced professional credibility,
• Evidence of professional commitment, and
• Feelings of personal accomplishment and satisfaction.

Since it was first identified in April, the 2009 H1N1 flu strain, also known as swine flu, has infected more than 1 million Americans and killed nearly 600, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates. 

So what does the economy mean for the nursing industry? It is interesting to consider the close tie between nurse staffing and the economy.

The Joint Commission introduced the National Patient Safety Goals in 2003.  As each year passed, standards were raised and became more challenging to meet. Additionally the number of goals and the sophistication of the goals have changed.  But are they meaningful to nursing and to patient care?