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Discussion

Are all these certifications worth it?

I recently transferred to the Emergency room for a Cardiac Stepdown unit. While working on the Cardiac unit I tested for the PCCN and CHFN certifications. I am now working toward testing for the CEN. My question is since I am now in a different department is it worth the time/effort/$$$ to get CEs in all areas to keep up the certifications? I still see quiet a few cardiac patients but they are not longer the primary pt group I am seeing. Just like any ambitious nurse I love having all those extra letters after my name :) but I want to make sure its worth it.

Anyone have any thoughts/opinions about this? I'd really appreciate the imput before I start spending all this cash to take classes in all areas to maintain certifications.

Thanks!

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    • Featured Replies

    To me it depends on what your long term goals are. Do you plan on staying in the ED? If so, you probably do not need to maintain your cardiac specific certs. In the ED we have plenty of courses to maintain (TNCC, BLS, ACLS, PALS, ENPC) plus our own cert (CEN). So adding other specific courses/certs would just add to your time and expense without giving you much benefit.

    After moving to Management I am having to live with not having ACLS, TNCC, ENPC, PALS but I plan on keeping up my CEN for as long as I can (need to set an example).

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    • Experts

    I agree with Larry. It depends on your long-term plans. Keep those you think will be relevant for your current and future work. Let the ones go that you will not need again.

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    • Experts

    Hmm...I worked in a level one trauma center ER for 10 years, then have been a nephrology APN for the past 8 years.

    I also volunteer on my rural fire dept. I have kept CEN, ACLS instructor, BLS instructor, ENPC instructor, TNS lecturer, PEPP instructor.

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    We are in a profession that is constantly changing due to new technology, advances in our understanding of medicine and new protocols. We will be learning new things every day for the rest of our careers. So, think of the certifications as a way to keep you engaged in the learning process.

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    It is usually easier to keep your certification than restart all over again. Usually the retests are abbreviated versions of the first test.

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