Clinical Ladder
The UAMS Nurses Clinical Ladder provides a framework for the nurse on a professional journey. This program describes the roles and competency expectations within each practice level (i.e., RN NG, RN I, RN II, RN III, RN IV and RN V). The basis for progression of the clinical and leadership expectations in the performance appraisal documents are based upon “Benner’s Model” which delineates the nurse’s career path from novice to expert.
Advanced Degrees
Click the links to find out more information on the nursing degree programs offered at UAMS.
National Certifications
National certification is a mark of excellence based on rigorous national standards that validate a nurse’s specialty knowledge, skills, and clinical judgement. Achieving national certification shows true dedication and commitment to delivering high-quality care to your patients and advancing your professional nursing career.
Visit these common credentialing bodies for more information about becoming certified in your specialty:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
- National Certification Corporation (NCC) (obstetrical and neonatal certifications)
- Board Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN)
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC)
- Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB)
- American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN)
- Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) (perioperative certifications)
Join Your Professional Organization
Joining a Professional Nursing Organization can enhance your profession, expand your knowledge and expertise, and give you access to resources important to your specialty. Most professional nursing organizations offer access to peer-reviewed journals and free CEUs to members. Check out the resources below!
- Why Join A Professional Nursing Organizations (Web article)
Common Professional Nursing Organizations
All Nurses
- American Nurses Association (ANA)
- ANA – Redefining Nursing – Reaffirming Our Practice (1.0 CEU, free webinar)
- Arkansas Nurses Association (ARNA)
Ambulatory Nurses
LPNs
Cardiac Nursing
- American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN)
- Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals (ACVP)
- Preventative Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA)
Critical Care Nursing
ENT Nursing
Gastroenterology Nursing
MED/Surg Nursing
Neonatal Nursing
- Academy of Neonatal Nursing (ANN)
- National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN)
- Local Chapter of National Association of Neonatal Nurses (ARANN)
Oncology Nursing
Opthalmic Nursing
Transplant Health
- International Transplant Nurses Society (ITNS)
- The Organization for Donation and Transplant Professionals (NATCO)
- Leadership & Engaged Learning in Organ Donation & Transplantation (The Alliance)
Urologic Health
Vascular Health
Women’s Health