CDN worth going for?

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  1. CDN/CNN worth it?

    • 4
      Yes
    • 1
      No

5 members have participated

Whew. It's been a long time since I first posted here back in 2013 as a new hire RN for Fresenius and now I am posting as the Charge Nurse of my unit. Time flies...

Anyway, I have been looking into certifications for CDN and CNN. What are the pros and cons? It seems I have to start getting more CEUs to start but is it even necessary? I love dialysis and nephrology in general but I am just indecisive. Any thoughts or opinions from CDN/CNN holders?

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Specializes in Dialysis Acute & Chronic.

worth it only if you want to be an educator... no requirements at FMC to keep working, FMC doesn't assist w/ CEU cost... so screw it. it can help w/ the CAP advancement but if your charge nurse you prolly are doing enough to be an RN 3 and get the pay you deserve (and if ur not RN 3 yet, talk to your manager and get it--don't need a CNN for that). I don't think its worth it the money.

You are better off goin to college and getting a clinical nurse leader masters degree and be the boss of all the educators or work in a different setting. You see what im saying?

I bailed on FMC and work at an non-profit dialysis center now. loving it. kodus on your dialysis growth!

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Only if your employer will compensate you. We get 1 dollar an hour raise for the first year then it drops off. It works out to be about 2,000 dollars so I would say yes.

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Specializes in Renal Dialysis.

My employer reimburses for exam once you pass and give you 75 cent/hour as long as it's an active certification. That's the main reason I decided to pursue (haven't tested yet but it doesn't look like a walk in the park based on review). CEUs are cheap (even free) if you know where to look.

I've seen many travel positions saying it's preferred. If you've been around for a long time, doesn't make a big difference I'm guessing. If you're newer to the specialty and/or a newer traveler, I don't think it would hurt to have something else to pad the resume.

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Specializes in Renal Dialysis.

BTW, the free CEUs are on advancedrenaleducation.com. I don't know how many you get as I already had what I needed before discovering the site. But every little bit helps and it's good review for the exam.

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