[NICU Mama]

One recommendation to me this year during my evaluation was to become certified in either CCRN or RNC. In your opinion, is one better than the other, and if so, why? Thanks for your input.

NICU Mama

[dawngloves]

Isn't CCRN adults?

[NICU Mama]

CCRN has certification for adult, pediatric, and neonatal critical care nurses. You can go to the web site: www.certcorp.org for more info. I know the cost of the exams are similar and to maintain certifications with CEU's, more are required for CCRN. I just don't know which one I should take.

NICU Mama

[BittyBabyGrower]

RNC is better recognized for neonatal population. You have to earn 45 per year for the RNC. About 1/2 of our unit is RNC.

[dawngloves]

Our staff takes the RNC exam. I've never seen a CCRN except in adults. That why I didn't know they had neonatal certification.
Gotta get myself certified one of these days....

[NICU Mama]

Thank's for the input. I think I'll take the RNC exam. Our facility just recently became approved to be a test taking site, so that makes it more convenient also. Now I have to get studying!!!

[stillpressingon]

CCRN I know, but what's RNC stand for?

[NICU Mama]

Registered Nurse Certified. The certification is through NCC (the national certification Corporation) after a registered nurse takes and passes the exam. NCC currently offers exams in:

Inpatient Obstretric Nursing
Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing
Low Risk Neonatal Nursing
Maternal Newborn Nursing
Telephone Nursing Practice

In order to take an exam, you have to have a current RN licensure in the US or Canada and have documentation of 24 months of experience comprised of at least 2000 hourse of practice time in one of the above specialties.

NCC is nationally recognized for certification.

[dawngloves]

Just reminded me I should be studying right now.

[ScammRNC]

I believe the RNC is more widely seen in the neonatal population though we do have 2 nurses that got their CCRN, mainly because they did not meet all the requirements for experience in order to apply for the RNC.