Ambulatory Care Nurse Certification?

SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS · May 3, 2014

This may be regional, but I have never seen a job posting that listed this certification. I see many that list foreign language skills. I chose to get certified as a CDE because it is so needed...also a desired certification. The problem with ambulatory is it is just so darn broad.

pfchang · May 3, 2014

What is FQHC? I recently took this test and passed. I have not seen a job posting requesting certification but some employers give a raise or bonus based on becoming certified. I think it shows commitment and professionalism and could make a difference in getting hired. That bring said, it is not cheap. I agree that CDE is in demand and I thought about it but decided Ambulatory Care would benefit me more now in my job. Plus, ambulatory is so very broad that I never get bored. I'm not sure that I'd want to do DM every day.

Case Management certification is also in demand.

ART_RN · May 3, 2014

Thanks for your response. FQHC is Federally Qualified Health Center.

I took a look at the cost. Prep materials alone are pretty hefty in cost. At this point, my organization hasn't factored the cert in the pay scale but I'm hoping it may influence future raise negotiations.

A lot to think about.

ART_RN · May 3, 2014

This may be regional, but I have never seen a job posting that listed this certification. I see many that list foreign language skills. I chose to get certified as a CDE because it is so needed...also a desired certification. The problem with ambulatory is it is just so darn broad.

Me either. Never seen in a job posting. I'll look into CDE as well. Thank you for your insight.

starintn · May 3, 2014

Does anyone know of any sort of ambulatory care certification for LPNs/LVNs? I checked the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing website-just saw where LPNs/LVNs are used for staffing but nothing about any sort of certification or advanced training. Thanks!

mclennan, BSN, RN · May 3, 2014

Honestly, if you have the experience in ambulatory that is required to sit for the ANCC cert exam, you can pass the test without dropping $ on prep materials.

I had 4 years of full time clinic nursing serving a very diverse population. I didn't study at all - and passed it on the first try. Much of the exam is common sense, basic nursing theory (like Maslow), and some cultural competence stuff (which everyone should know by now unless you've been living in a cave the last 20 years). Seriously. Check out sample exam questions. Purchase a prep book if you must, but really and truly, if you've been in ambulatory and have a basic grasp of the concepts you'll ace it.

pfchang · May 3, 2014

I purchased the newest book and exam questions and was glad I did. With ambulatory care being so broad, there were things I learned from them. The prep course was so pricey there was no way I was going to purchase it, plus I didn't feel I needed it after looking into the course content.

ART_RN · May 5, 2014

Wow. Thanks. Looks like I might buy the book but skip the course. A few runs through some sample tests and hopefully I'll be all set.

starintn · May 5, 2014

This is all good info but no one has addressed the original question-can an LPN go for this certification or is it an RN only certification? Thanks,

klone, MSN, RN · May 5, 2014

Nobody asked that question in the original post. Sorry yours got overlooked.

ANCC certifications are for RNs only.

OCNRN63, RN · May 11, 2014

I think this may be what you're looking for. I considered doing it when I worked in Day Surgery, but then I changed specialties.

http://www.cpancapa.org