Additional Certifications/Training

mmlove70 · Oct 4, 2016

Hello swestfall, where did you get your CMSRN? I'm planning on become certified!!

Thanks in advance.

ClaraRedheart, BSN, RN · Oct 17, 2016

Check with your employer mmlove70. Mine covered some of the cost. You can do it on your own, but you'll pay a hefty price for it. I passed mine exactly a month ago still waiting for my certificate!

I have gotten skin certified from NDNQI, it's not really difficult or as big a deal as the CMSRN, but it comes in handy when we do quarterly quality rounds! ACLS is a good one. Maybe if your floor does a lot of ortho patients as well, or another specialty, you might look into it and see if you qualify to sit for those exams. Worth a shot if you're looking to level up!

allnurses Guide · Oct 19, 2016

There is another Med Surge certification that is awarded by the ANCC. I know of

nurses that have gotten this certification and would have RN-BC on their badges.

It's different from the CMSRN. I don't know which certification is the "bigger deal".

There's also PALS, if your Med Surge floor ever has pediatrics.

tokmom, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2016

There is another Med Surge certification that is awarded by the ANCC. I know of
nurses that have gotten this certification and would have RN-BC on their badges.
It's different from the CMSRN. I don't know which certification is the "bigger deal".
There's also PALS, if your Med Surge floor ever has pediatrics.

Neither one is better than the other. It wouldn't be cost effective to have both because they are way too similar. I'm not even sure you can sit for both. I was told I had to choose.

OP, I'm in the same boat, I'm looking for another challenge and want to be certified in another field.

ACLS is always good, IMO to have. It teaches you more than just basic BLS and I think all nurses should have it. Ditto with PALS if you do peds. We have PEARS which I think is useless.

The downside of both is you don't get certified or extra pay.