Certification for untilization review/management nurses

[nuberianne_RN]

There are many certifications available for most specialties in nursing. I believe most hospitals and insurance companies use utilization review nurses. However, I can't seem to find a standardized certification for UR nurses. Why is that?

We are half of the case management department in my hospital. From what I've read this is the case in many other hospitals as well. However, we are not eligible to obtain CCM or other case management certifications. I do not have a problem with that since our job description does not include those functions.

The reason I want certification is because I believe it demonstrates proficiency in and dedication to this specialty. Many employers look favorably upon certifications.

To be fair, I have come across two. However, I don't know if they are "industry standard" so I don't want to spend time and money I don't have if I won't get a return on my investment. So I far I've found:

CPHM - offered by McKesson. They barely have any info about this so I don't know how serious to take it.

http://www.mckesson.com/about-mckesson/our-company/businesses/mckesson-health-solutions/about-mhs/certified-professional-in-healthcare-management/

HCQM - offered by ABQAURP. Is this the gold standard?

http://www.abqaurp.org/certification.asp

Your thoughts?

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

Have you thought about asking your company/facility, which UR certification they wish to see from their UR nurses? The hospitals I have worked for will accept the CPHM in addition to the CCM or ACM.

[nuberianne_RN]

Have you thought about asking your company/facility, which UR certification they wish to see from their UR nurses? The hospitals I have worked for will accept the CPHM in addition to the CCM or ACM.

My facility is small, and there aren't any real opportunities for advancement. They don't require or ask for certification for UR nurses. I want certification to make myself marketable in case I want to spread my wings in the future. I'll look into CPHM. Thanks.

[bsnrn2013]

I had CPHM (combined CPUR +CPUM) by Mckesson in '08. My facility paid for it and it is 2 day class and you take the exam at the end..not hard. I have searched for ur job and most prefer CPUR or CPUM (which is CPHM).

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I took the CPUR having never worked an hour in UR, after coming in at the end of the class and looking over some of the handouts discarded on the floor when people went to lunch. McKesson is famous for inventing all kinds of certifications, then selling you the review course, the books, the exam, and the recertification classes and fees. I skipped all of that but the exam, but truthfully even though I passed it handily I never used it on my business cards because I thought it was bogus and just took the exam to prove it to myself.