Why did you pursue CPCS or CPMSM certification?
I recently spoke with Sally Pelletier, CPMSM, CPCS, president of Best Practices Consulting Group in Intervale, NH, and senior consultant at The Greeley Company, for an article in the upcoming issue of Medical Staff Briefing about CPCS and CPMSM certification. We got to talking, and I asked what probably seemed like a question with an obvious answer: Why did you pursue certification? Here is what she had to say:
That one is easy. As with any goal you set for yourself, it’s a measure of success and it comes with a sense of accomplishment. There is something special about having those initials after your name that mark you as having reached a milestone in your profession. It’s the uncertainty that comes with wondering if you can do it and then realizing you can!
Reaching milestones builds confidence and character, which creates new paths and directions for any profession. Obtaining certification can lead to the courage to participate more assertively in meetings and to explore volunteer opportunities at both a state and national level.
It affirms that passion you have that you are the first line of defense in patient safety and you have attained experience and knowledge that allows you to be really good at what you do. It’s a sense of belonging that goes beyond being a NAMSS member.
In addition, there is the expectation that comes with maintaining your certification and the quest to obtain the proper amount of continuing education credits, which is a reward in and of itself because you are constantly refreshing your knowledge base.
All good things take effort and sacrifice! The rewards are worth it!
What drove you to study for and take the CPMSM and/or CPCS exams? Any tips, advice, or wisdom to share with your fellow MSPs? Click the comment box below!
About the Author: Elizabeth (Liz) Jones is an associate editor at HCPro. She writes and contributes to several monthly newsletters including Medical Staff Briefing, Hospitalist Leadership Advisor, and Credentialing and Peer Review Legal Insider. Liz graduated from Salem (MA) State College in 2003 with a B.A. in professional writing. Before joining HCPro, Liz wrote for a national monthly business publication where she gained experience in executive-level business and healthcare issues.
Mechelle Smith | Feb 5, 2010 | Reply
I have been studing for the CPCS certification test. I went on line and took the practice test and was ask a lot of questions regarding URAC. I am not familiar with URAC. I have called URAC to get their standards to study, but say I have to buy them for 475.00. I have the the Verify and Comply book. I am striving to get my certification but I will not pass until I can study everything. Can you help me with the URAC standards, or is there another book I can buy that will help me rather than or in addition to the Verify and Comply?
Thank You,
Mechelle Smith
South Central Regional Medical Center
Laurel, MS
Dana Crowell | Feb 5, 2010 | Reply
I am currently the Director of Medical Staff Services at Longmont United Hospital in Longmont, CO. My position requires NAMSS certification. I understand why many healthcare facilities now require certification. Just as with any other profession, certification is a measure of knowledge and experience. I am happy that my current employer recognizes the significance of what I do and demands excellence.
I obtained my certification well before acquiring this position. I did it out of a sense of pride for what I do. The exam is not easy and once I learned that I had passed it, I had a great sense of accomplishment and still do to this day. Even if your employer doesn’t recognize the value in obtaining your certification, I encourage each MSP to get certified for your own benefit.
Emily Berry | Feb 5, 2010 | Reply
Mechelle,
Try contacting your state medical staff services association to see if they owe a copy of URAC standards that you can borrow. Additionally, your state association may be able to put you in touch with someone from a URAC facility who can help you study.
You may also want to post your question on our Medical Staff Talk group (http://www.credentialingresourcecenter.com/medstaff-talk.cfm). Most of our readers have access to the Medical Staff Talk group and the blog, but don’t always read both, so it’s a good idea to post your question in multiple locations.
Best of luck with your studies!