Happy Ambulatory Care Nurses Week February 9–13, 2026
A Special Message from Lourdes Careaga in Celebration of Ambulatory Care Nurses Week
As the Certification Outreach Program Manager, I have the privilege of managing relationships with our collaborative organizations and overseeing the ANCC Success Pays® program. Through my direct work with these organizations, I have seen how strongly they support certification as a lifelong journey of growth, learning, and demonstrated expertise. As an ANCC certified nurse myself, I share this commitment to certification and ongoing renewal.
Lourdes B. Careaga, MSN, RN, NE-BC Certification Outreach Program Manager
During Ambulatory Care Nurses Week, I extend my warm wishes to my nurse colleagues. My team and I recognize and celebrate your tireless dedication, compassion, and expertise in delivering comprehensive, specialized care across a wide range of settings, including outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, surgical centers, primary care practices, hospital-based outpatient departments, physician offices, and community health centers. Your expertise plays a vital role in improving patient outcomes, preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and readmissions, and bridging gaps in care.
We are also honored to maintain a sustained collaborative relationship with the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN), united in our shared goal of supporting nursing excellence and promoting professional growth and development through certification. To learn more about this collaborative organization, consider attending their upcoming conference:
If your organization is interested in the ANCC Success Pays® program, I am available to support you and your nurses.
Program FAQs:
Launched in 2013
Over 600 Success Pays Partners
Monthly Townhalls to stay connected
Benefits:
Nurses are given two (2) opportunities to pass.
The organization only pays for the nurses who pass.
Reduces anxiety and financial barriers for nurses.
No minimum or maximum limit for number of certification renewals.
I kindly ask that organizations continue to support and educate nursing staff on the value of professional certification and encourage participation in the ANCC Success Pays® program. Please refer your team to the resource below for information on how this program adds value to your organization, along with a list of eligible ANCC certifications:
*Use of these or any other course(s)/material(s) does not imply eligibility for certification or successful performance on any certification exam, nor is it a requirement to qualify for individual certification.
Once you earn ANCC board certification in Ambulatory Care Nursing, you’ll receive the AMB-BC credential—demonstrating your expertise and commitment to the Ambulatory Care specialty.
Renewal Requirements
As an important reminder, certification renewal occurs every five years. It is never too early to begin tracking your professional development—your future self will appreciate the preparation. To review the renewal requirements, review the ANCC Certification Renewal Handbook. This resource clearly outlines all essential information for renewing or reactivating your certification, including program policies and key criteria for maintaining ongoing competence within your specialty.
Maintaining your certification demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and excellence in practice. It reflects your ongoing application of current knowledge, adherence to evidence-based standards, and utilization of strong decision-making and interpersonal skills to support the health and well-being of the populations you serve. I wish everyone a happy Ambulatory Care Nurses Week!
Article by: Lourdes B. Careaga, MSN, RN, NE-BC Certification Outreach Program Manager
To learn how my team and I can further support you in your professional journey, please explore the resources each member offers:
Tonya L. Page, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, LSSGB, FCCS-C
APRN Educational & Faculty Outreach Program Manager
Katelyn Bern, MA Outreach Engagement Manager & Tradeshow Liaison
Manages customer engagement through social media, articles, and at ANCC tradeshows. Leads our Story of Inspiration series, which celebrates cultural heritage and personal journeys. Share your story with her today! 📝 Share Your Story
Lourdes B. Careaga, MSN, RN, NE-BC Certification Outreach Program Manager
