Certification in Addictions Nursing Promoting/Protecting the Health of the Public

CASTLEGATES · Oct 24, 2009

This is my goal!

Last I checked there were less than 200 CARN's...something I want my entire unit to complete (soon as I get hired)!

Father Martin Ashley's in MD has the highest concentration of CARN's with 7.

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 24, 2009

Admirable goal, CASTLEGATES. Good luck!

CASTLEGATES · Oct 26, 2009

http://www.intnsa.org/certifications_carn.php

Certification

Nurses with sufficient addiction experience can document their expertise in addiction nursing by passing a rigorous test to become recognized as a Certified Addiction Registered Nurse (CARN), a process sponsored by NNSA. In some states, nurses with the CARN credential are recognized as addiction treatment providers. Currently, the CARN certification is for all registered nurses; there is a separate certification for Licensed Mental Health Technicians and Licensed Practical Nurses. An Advanced Practice Specialty examination is also being developed, and some addiction nurses are certified as alcohol counselors.

Study guide http://www.amazon.com/Certified-Addictions-Registered-Admission-Passbooks/dp/0837358361

You typically need 2 years of addictions/substance abuse/detox or dual diagnosis to be eligible. It is available to all RN's!

http://nursing.advanceweb.com/editorial/content/editorial.aspx?cc=123324

Become one of only a couple hundred in the US!

Journal of Addictions Nursing http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~db=all~content=t713669403~tab=editorialboard

some videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9vpvuvSLcc and http://www.icyou.com/topics/health-wellness/wellness/brighton-hospital-rn-talks-about-carn-nursing-certification+

International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA) http://www.nattc.org/getCertified/certification.asp?oldID=ointnsa

and from answerbag http://www.answerbag.com/articles/How-to-Become-an-Addictions-Nurse/0ca1675f-e7b4-1c13-4a68-1801e6b4abff

Many ER's are requiring a CARN or CARN-AP to be on staff since a very high percentage of ER admissions are associated with addictions (remember, alcohol and tobacco are drugs; just by chance legalized ones and happen to be the most deadly of all)

Myths of addiction video:

cfaith · Mar 4, 2011

Has anyone taken this exam? I've joined IntNSA. & the NC Chapter IntNSA but have not truly committed to this certification? Please any words of wisdom from CARNS or CARN-APs?

Thanks in advance,

cfaith

shrinkyrn · May 11, 2011

I have been a CARN for almost 10 years now...best thing I ever did....I now work in an outpatient office as the Addictions Nurse....LOVE it!!

KPeerRN · Sep 22, 2011

How hard is the addictions certification exam? and is it recognized in canada?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 24, 2011

I may do this--I have the 2 years' experience in addictions, but I still need that 3rd year of experience in general.

xxJLyn · Mar 20, 2012

Can an LVN take this exam since I already work at at substance abuse clinic?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 23, 2012

Can an LVN take this exam since I already work at at substance abuse clinic?

I think it's an RN-only thing...but why not drop them a line and ask? You never know.

cfaith · Mar 29, 2012

Castlegates, did you ever get to take the test?

shrinkyrn · May 7, 2012

I first got certified when I worked inpatient dual diagnosis rehab....I have moved into an outpatient Drug & Alcohol setting an am the Addictions Nurse..The pay is nowhere near hospital pay, but the job is much less stressful and so much better for me. I love what I now do..