how do i become certified in pediatric nursing?

[smartnurse1982]

I am an arn and want to become certified in peds and geriatrics. How do I go about doing that?

(You know,getting that "c" after rn-Rnc?

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

You're referring to general peds and not peds cricital care, aren't you?

[llg, PhD, RN]

For the certifications offered by the major organizations in the United States ... you must have current work experience in a field prior to taking the certification exam. For some specialties, you also need to have at least a BSN. You'll need to check out the exact qualifications for each exam you wish to take.

You document that you meet the qualifications to take the exam (work experience + education + recent continuing education credits) and register to take the exam. Then you take the exam. If you pass, you are certified.

One of the major organizations offering certification exams is ANCC. Go to their website to read more about any specific exams they offer that interest you. There is a 2nd organization that offers an exam for pediatrics, but I can't think of the name of that organization. But if you are a peds nurse, you probably know the name of that organization already. It's the major one for peds nurses. I don't know about geriatrics.

[XingtheBBB, BSN, RN]

ANCC offers the RN,C in various specialties, including peds.

The other organization was called "NAP-NAP" when I took their test years ago... Nat'l Assoc of Pediatric Nurses and Practitioners" maybe? They have a nice packet they sent out when I was interested with suggested study materials, test outline, requirements, etc.

(edit- either I'm losing my mind (likely!) or the groups changed (and I thought they did) the CPN is now through "PNCB" Welcome to The PNCB Web Site )

You can (or at least could) take a review course, then a group rate test at SPN conferences.

Two year FT or 4 years PT peds experience was required to take and maintain the cert.

[Redhead28]

My RN,C is through ANCC it has eligibility requirements then a large fee. Must now be a BSN for their certifications. I've heard of another group that will let you test without BSN. Renews every 5 years.