Certification : I Did it For the Money.

[shashikala]

Could you please guide, help me to how to study for CGN exam, or resources to use. Sorry, I am new to this site, just posting several times to convey my message to you. Thank you, Brenda Johnson

[shashikala]

Hi Reburn 3,

I agree with you, I fell CGN exam n ashamed of it. Everyone is certified in department except me. I will save money for exam fee & try my luck for next time

[shashikala]

Hi Brenda,

Thanks for reply. Could I know where can I buy that book name memotrox to make notes.? I want to pass CGRI exam. So I can find another part time job, one part time job is not enough. Most of the employer are interested in hiring RPN in Canada. No full time job for RN in endoscopy.

Thank you very much for your guidance , Shashi

[Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

Shashikala, never be ashamed of failing. You tried, and that takes more courage and effort to test, than sitting around an saying "it's not worth it", regardless of the outcome. Regroup and try again.

[Brenda F. Johnson, MSN]

When I became a Certified Medical/Surgical Registered Nurse back in '04, my hospital paid for the educational materials, examination, and half of our certification fees. It was also worth another 3% on our paychecks. We also had the pride of being one of the 15/15 nurses who took the exam and passed it. I'd do it again if I were still in M/S nursing.

Thank you for your input, and by the way, I love Sylvia Plath!

[Brenda F. Johnson, MSN]

Just remember that not all organizations pay extra for certification. The last two places I've worked did reimburse the cost of getting the initial certification, but it made absolutely no difference in pay afterward.

Yes, some hospitals do not pay anything for certifications, like the one I'm at now. However, I am going to keep it active. It's more than just about the pay, but I do miss the extra money

[Brenda F. Johnson, MSN]

Getting your certification is absolutely worth it if the financial incentive is there. When I got my CCRN 5 years ago, the hospital reimbursed my exam, gave me a $750 bonus, and I still annually get a $400 bonus. Had I been at my previous employer, it was good for a flat $1.00 an hour raise.

Aside from the financials, it tells your coworkers, patients, and administrators that you know your stuff. Unlike NCLEX, which is an entry level exam, a certification exam is a expert exam. Coworkers that refuse to take the exam and come up with excuses as to why, simply don't do it because they are afraid of failure. If you could guarantee your coworker would pass, no questions asked, they would take the exam in a heartbeat. Failure directly demonstrates ones clinical knowledge in their chosen specialty is inferior to their coworkers that pass, and it's just easier to say "it's not worth it".

I like your point comparing the NCLEX with certifications; differentiating between entrance level and expertise. I do believe that many nurses do not take the tests because they are afraid of failing, test anxiety and fear of failure are true issues.

[Brenda F. Johnson, MSN]

Our facility pays $.75/hour for certification. I already have had one for several years (lactation consultant) but I decided that I am going to sit for the main one in my specialty (Obstetrics) in March. Even though I won't get more money, it's worth it to me for the personal achievement and professional development.

I think that is awesome, good luck in March!

[Brenda F. Johnson, MSN]

I've been certified in several specialties over my career. Sometimes I got more money for them, sometimes not. I always did a certification because of a personal interest in the specialty. Like others, I feel being certified shows to your colleagues and co-workers that you have more than the minimum of knowledge in the specialty.

Did you maintain any of the certifications?

[Brenda F. Johnson, MSN]

I am Canadian RN, could you please guide how to successful in GI certification exam. I was unsuccessful, short for 4 answer to pass exam. We use american books to prepare for test. Any guidance, help, or practice for question much appreciated, thank, sorry to bother you. After working 6 yrs in GI feels like I don't know nothing.

I had to redo my responses, but I think you read the first one before it got deleted. I also failed the first time I took the test, as I said before, so I understand how you feel. I definitely encourage you to study and retake. You can order the CGRN Study Guide by Mometric Medical LLC. by googling "CGRN study guides" You order from the website. And as I also said before, in GI you learn continually, no one knows everything because it is changing and evolving all the time. Let me know how you do when you take the test again. If you have trouble finding the study book, let me know. Brenda

[Brenda F. Johnson, MSN]

Hi Brenda,

Thanks for reply. Could I know where can I buy that book name memotrox to make notes.? I want to pass CGRI exam. So I can find another part time job, one part time job is not enough. Most of the employer are interested in hiring RPN in Canada. No full time job for RN in endoscopy.

Thank you very much for your guidance , Shashi

I responded to your earlier post (I was replying incorrectly and had to redo them) and I explained how to order the study guide. Good luck!

[shashikala]

Hi Riburn 3,

Thank you for your support. I am here looking for gudence & help to study effectively to pass CGRN test. We don't have study group in Toronto. I checked resources on SGNA website but very expensive. Only 80 practice questions cost $ 200. I have part time job but its not enough. Here employer ate interested hiring RPN.I have diploma from back home, & working towards BScN two more courses left to complete.

Thanks & regards,

Shashi