Is a second certification necessary?

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

I used to work in high risk antepartum so I got my RNC-MNN. Now I work in labor and delivery and all the nurses there have their RNC-OB. Some of them kinda act like my certification somehow doesn't count or that it's lesser than theirs. Do you think it's necessary to get my RNC-OB as well? Or is that just a waste?

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

I don't think it's a waste, but I also don't think it's necessary. What would be your goals or reasons for getting it?

I'm not sure if an RNC-OB is necessary specifically for a career in labor and delivery. For instance if I decide to do L&D in a different hospital, would my MNN certification mean anything? Is that the attitude of all L&D nurses that one certification is superior to the other?

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

It hasn't been my experience that nurses think one is better than another. In fact, it hasn't been my experience that it's NECESSARY.

I hate the attitude that's prevalent at some facilities that L&D nurses are somehow better or more skilled than postpartum/M-B nurses.

Specializes in OB/GYN.

The necessity of it probably is facility dependent. At my former hospital, a big teaching institution, anybody who would be charting on a fetal strip had to have EFM. Since this was a requirement, we did not get a bonus for it. After EFM, you were compensated for having certifications so some other nurses did get certified in inpatient OB.

Aside from the accomplishment and increase in knowledge (and beyond a unit requirement), a slight bump in your pay may be the only advantage at your workplace.

Also, don't mind those who are belittling your MNN. Sorry to hear you've had to deal with that but I've never come across that attitude in regards to certification so it's likely just the culture there and not everywhere.

Specializes in Labor/delivery(13yr)-Med/Surg(1yr)-sup6y.

Where i work there are many different certs . Some have rncob,efm,clnc,ultrasound, and nurse educator..none are superior.

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