Another Certification Question . . . 2 years?

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Hi.

The requirements for sitting for the Inpatient Obstetric Certification exam state that you need 24 months AND 2000 hours. I've got the 2000 hours down pat and would have had the 24 months this August, but I left my first job after 10 months after I had my baby, then started working again at another hospital 6 months later. A couple of questions.

Has anyone applied without the total 24 months and was not questioned?

Do you think my 6 month break would be considered more Maternity Leave and would not be counted against me? Or are they pretty strict about a cummulative 24 month period.

I figure the worst that could happen would be that I would lose $100 of the $300 fee for ineligibility but I just thought I'd ask around.

Why should they care anyway? If I pass, I am obviously qualified.

My hospital pays an extra $4.50/hr for RNC so I really want it!

Thanks!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

4.50 an hour holy cow, sign me the heck up there!!! Never heard of such a great incentive to get that RN, C!!!!!! I cannot blame your eagerness here.

seriously, you have to ask the NCC about this. I believe you HAVE to have both time requirments met for testing eligibility. Also remember, once you have any cert, you are definately held to a higher standard of care that goes with any such title. I just did not feel I was experienced enough at the 2 year point, even though I had MORE than the accumulated amount of hours, what with all the OT I put in.

Wish me luck, finally, after 7 years in OB, I will writing the exam in August. I just did not feel I had the real experience to back me up being certified for at least 5 years in OB myself. Opportunity to test has not really been a reality for me til THIS year, when I Have both the money and time to test.

I wish you luck. Check with the NCC on this one, tho, to be sure you are eligible.

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Specializes in all things maternity.

Quick question about NCC OB certification. Can you take this exam with just a Associates Degree RN or do you have to be BSN or higher? I have always wanted to do this but haven't tried due to the fact that I do not have my BSN. Also, how recent does my OB experience have to be? I have 13 years experience but have not worked OB for almost 2 years now. I do plan on going back to OB as soon as possible. Any suggestions?

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

You can write the NCC cert test with any of the degrees/diplomas granted an RN, provided you can get written evidence of your experience in the field in which you seek certification.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

May I suggest those with more questions visit the NCC website. There is a great PDF file with likely all the answers you seek! It also has a pretty good outline of the areas you best be familiar with to successfully pass the exam. Good luck to aspiring certified nurses here! Hope this helps.

http://www.nccnet.org/public/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1

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Specializes in OB, Telephone Triage, Chart Review/Code.

Angel, I sat for the certification exam after working 2 years in OB with an ADN in 1991. I passed....and I could kick myself for letting it expire because I took a break from nursing (wasn't sure I wanted to stay in nursing at the time) but have since returned. Now, I have to build up my hours again.

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4.50 an hour holy cow, sign me the heck up there!!! Never heard of such a great incentive to get that RN, C!!!!!! I cannot blame your eagerness here.

seriously, you have to ask the NCC about this. I believe you HAVE to have both time requirments met for testing eligibility. Also remember, once you have any cert, you are definately held to a higher standard of care that goes with any such title. I just did not feel I was experienced enough at the 2 year point, even though I had MORE than the accumulated amount of hours, what with all the OT I put in.

Wish me luck, finally, after 7 years in OB, I will writing the exam in August. I just did not feel I had the real experience to back me up being certified for at least 5 years in OB myself. Opportunity to test has not really been a reality for me til THIS year, when I Have both the money and time to test.

I wish you luck. Check with the NCC on this one, tho, to be sure you are eligible.

Aloha SmilingBluEyes,

Awesome, congrats!!! I am just looking into it. I want to get certified in the same, inpatient obstetrics and even postpartum/newborn. There is alot of info just for applying for the exam. I need the study guides. Where did you get them? I need them ASAP. And also, how long did you study for to be ready for August? Please get back to me. Email me please at [email protected]. Mahalo and Aloha (Thank you and Chow!)

Tammy

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

http://www.nccnet.org

there is a guideline for study materials there. BEST WISHES and MUCH ALOHA!

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