Med-Surg Certification

RN-PA, RN · Mar 13, 2004

I've been Med-Surg certified through ANCC since 2000. I studied by using old NCLEX-RN material and two books I bought: One was "Pathophysiology Made Incredibly Easy" published by Springhouse and "Medical-Surgical Nursing" 2nd Edition, a book of tests. The test book helped me to discover what areas I needed the most review on (Endocrinology, ABG interpretation, etc.) I also went back to my nursing textbooks for certain areas I wasn't so sure of.

This is embarrassing to say, but I thought the exam was scheduled a week later than I thought it was. I was talking to a co-worker who was also taking the exam, and she asked when I was working that week. When I said "Friday" (3-11) she replied, "Whoa! You're brave! Working the night before the exam." Well, I was floored. :eek: I ended up calling out "sick" for that shift since I needed to be up by 5 a.m. to travel to the test-site. In the few days I had before the exam, I crammed like I'd never crammed before. I didn't want to be humiliated if I failed the exam, PLUS, my hospital was paying for the exam ONLY if I passed.

Well, I did fine, and I ended up knowing more than I realized, but I'm not planning on being re-certified in 2005. I didn't keep up with all the CEU's required because I'm too cheap. If the spirit moves me, I may sit for the exam once again, or try for the AAMSN certification which I know nothing about and would appreciate knowing more.

barb4575 · Mar 13, 2004

...for the Masters'-prepared level back in 1998. I used a series of tapes through Health Leadership Associates for the M/S generalist exam and passed. I still use those tapes occasionally to review content prior to lecture if I need it....they were about $175 back then and worth every penny. However, I did not work in M/S only so I was not able to renew my certification due to not keeping up with the work hours required. I think those requirements need reviewed and revised. I decided if I ever needed the certification, I would just take the exam again...even though it is not cheap. I don't see where the certification helped me any in my career other than to make me proud that I passed it. I felt it was more difficult than NCLEX and when I finished it, I just knew I had failed. They gave me a specific score as well and was I ever surprised.

I have not heard about the certifiying agency that you spoke of, but I will look into it. Good luck!

Barbara

barb4575 · Mar 13, 2004

meant ANCC...

barb4575 · Mar 13, 2004

I just reviewed their website and am unclear why this organization has offered another avenue for certification in M/S? The cost is $325 for nonmembers which sounds outrageous for someone in academia especially...I did email them Patrick and I will let you know what I find out.

Thank you for posting this interesting thread,

Barbara

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Mar 13, 2004

Barb - thanks for the feedback. I am trying to get certified more for my own personal satiisfaction and also to have my knowledge and experience validated through certification. My employer pays a differential for certified nurses, so I thought I would give it a try. Just nervous about getting enough study information and guides so I can target the areas that I need to brush up. The MS certification exam is so diverse, it really covers every areas of nursing.

In my work experience, we see all types of diagnosis and post-operative patients with differing types of complications. I am sure I already have the knowledge, but just want to brush up on other areas as well.

Thanks for the help. Patrick

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2004

There's a very good book I bought through Amazon.com that helped me tremendously with the med-surg exam. I'll try to find a link. I've got my certification through ANCC. I thought the test was hard, but no harder than taking state boards. I took and passed the test twice because the first I let my first certification expire. The second time I noticed there were many more questions about pain.

Good luck.

Here's the link to the book I used. (If you decide to buy, please of course by from the amazon link on the homepage, so this site gets credit you linking to amazon :))

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1582551626/qid=1079181767/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/002-8216709-1457615?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Mar 13, 2004

Tweety - thanks for the info and when you find the link for the book, please post.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2004

Tweety - thanks for the info and when you find the link for the book, please post.

You're welcome. As you were typing yours I was getting the link. See above. :)

SharonH, RN · Mar 13, 2004

I was certified in 2002 by ANCC. I used the same book(Springhouse Review) that Tweety did so I can highly recommend it.

RN-PA, RN · Mar 13, 2004

I am trying to get certified more for my own personal satiisfaction and also to have my knowledge and experience validated through certification. My employer pays a differential for certified nurses, so I thought I would give it a try.

This is the only reason why I took the exam because we don't get paid any more if we're certified.

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Mar 14, 2004

RN-PA - do you think that trend is changing in hospitals, as far as paying a differential if you are certified? At my last job, if you were certified, they paid an extra $3.00 per hour, but of course, there were added duties and responsibiulities. But it was a motivator for many nurses and a good majority of them on my floor were certified.

Tweety - thanks for the link. I am going to purchase this book in order to get ready for certification. Appreicate the help.