am i eligible to take the CEN?

Specialties Emergency

Published

Specializes in ICU; Medical-Surgical.

I am a foreign graduate from the philippines and i already passed the NCLEX-RN and i am planning to have my specialization as an emergency nurse. I have read the information regarding the application for CEN exam but i have one concern because they require me an license number and i dont have it yet because i dont have my Social Security Number. Is it possible for me to take the CEN exam without license number considering the fact that i already passed the nclex-rn xam? and is there a testing area in my own country? thank you.

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Specializes in Oncology, Emergency Dept, PICU.

most of the time you have to have 2 yrs worth of experience (or couple thousand worth of hrs) as an ER nurse to qualify for your CEN...

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sorry, i am new nurse, not sure about this questions, but :wink2:I think you can go to ENA.com to look at it

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the following is from the ena's cen brochure.

[color=#004a8e]eligibility requirements

[color=#231f20]a current unrestricted license or nursing certificate that is equivalent to a registered nurse in the united states or its territories is required.

[color=#004a8e]eligibility recommendation

[color=#231f20]although there are no practice requirements, bcen does recommend two years of experience in emergency nursing practice.

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Specializes in ED, Flight.
most of the time you have to have 2 yrs worth of experience (or couple thousand worth of hrs) as an ER nurse to qualify for your CEN...

That is recommended, but not required.

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For the CEN there is no time requirement in regards to years experience, but I assume you would have to have a license number to prove your status as an RN

Don't be in such a hurry. Take some time to study while you wait.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Flight.

i would agree with the others....

if you are a new nurse to the states... then you need to spend more time in our ER's and find out the requirements of the hospital... and state...

but...im gonna tell you.. friendly advice....

there is no way you can pass the CEN if you are new here to the states...

if you can... then more power to ya!

:cool:

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, ICU/CCU/NICU, EMS, Transport.

For ANYONE preparing/considering taking their CEN exam, I've got some FREE sample questions and study aids on my blog at http://bemetweb.blogspot.com/

-Mark

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Specializes in ER.

i took the cen at 16 months outside of school. the two years is a recommendation. it a tough test but passable with the right studying. drop me a line if you have any questions.

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