Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification

[elthia]

I was thinking about going for certification...not because of the fancy letters, but because there is so much that isn't taught in school, or on the floor. My health is better, and after 7 years I'm skating along being bored, I can do a great basic nursing assessment. I know meds, drug classes, nursing interventions, I need to buckle down and know more about the science not taught in basic nursing and heart murmurs (aortic stenosis vs mitral regurg etc), or maybe it's more of a need.

It's time to learn more or move on. Frankly, I became competent with cardiac/CTS then we got more vascular pts...then I became competent with those pts....then we got heart transplant/LVADs....now I'm competent with those pts...but I want better than JUST to be a COMPETENT nurse with good time management skills. I just think that studying for the CV nursing certification would help me understand my cardiac surgery nursing better and help my practice better.

Those of you how have done any ANCC certifications, how has it impacted your practice?

[wiltfongm]

Elitha,

I commend you for considering all the intangible benefits of certification. I have done the CCRN and am studying for my CMC and CSC exams. I feel completing the work for certification enriches my practice and will in the end allow me to become an even better nursing leader and educator in the future. I urge you to get started, you have nothing to lose!

[GoodNP]

elthia,

I have decided to pursue this certification as well. Currently I am completing the required 30 hours of CEUs. I ordered the study guide as well...excited to receive it. You're right, there's no point in adding a string of the alphabet after your name. This is purely for my own pride and confidence in my skills. (Although I wouldn't turn down a pay raise if hell froze over and I was offered one!)

Good luck!