Certifications in Massachusetts

What certifications do you need to get?

Certifications show that you have a clinical expertise in an area, for example after several years in Med Surg you can sit for the Med Surg Certification. As hospice nurse after you have hours in clinical setting you can sit for the hospice exam. After completing Emergency room you can sit for the CEN exam. I could go on and on.

How is your job in the SNF?

http://www.nursecredentialing.org/Nu...tological.aspx''

This is a Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Credential Awarded: RN-BC (Registered Nurse—Board Certified)

Description of Practice
Nurses who work primarily with older adults incorporate gerontological competencies in order to assess, manage and implement health care to meet the specialized needs of older adults and evaluate the effectiveness of such care. The nurse’s primary challenge is to identify and use the strengths of older adults and assist them to maximize their independence, minimize disability, and where appropriate, achieve a peaceful death. Nurses actively involve older adults and family members, where possible, in decision making which impacts the quality of the older adult’s everyday life.

EligibilityCriteria
All requirements must be completed prior to application for the examination.

Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the
professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country

Have practiced the equivalent of two years full time as a registered nurse

Have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in gerontological nursing
within the last three years

Have completed 30 hours of continuing education in gerontological nursing

Looks like you will have to wait 2 years to sit for the exam.

I just saw your post in another forum about wanting to take ACLS and PALS online. I haven't personally taken ACLS online, but I've heard it's intense and time consuming. I would recommend doing the class in person to get a better understanding since it's your first time taking it. Many hospitals offer the courses (I know MGH and Faulker definitely do) and if you go to the American Heart Association website, go to the CPR & ECC tab and you can search for a class.

As far as other certifications, like Medsurg32RN said, those are for nurses with so many hours of experience in a certain specialty.

Many LTC offer ACLS.