Certifications Clarification

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I am a newer ER nurse (1.5 years in) and the topic of certifications is one that is heavily debated amongst our senior staff :nono:

I am in love with ER nursing, and want to continue to expand my skill set, and continue my education. I was wondering if anyone had clarification or advice on which certifications they think are most important and relevant (CEN/CPEN/CTRN/TCRN/ENPC/TNCC/ECRN just to name a few).

I know some of these require years of experience, but I was hoping someone could give me some insight on which certifications they think are important to be aiming for in the next few months/years. Thanks so much! :yes:

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

ENPC and TNCC are a good start — those are two-day classes that result in a certification. CEN, CPEN, CTRN, and the new TCRN are board certifications, and those typically require more preparation. I am not familiar with ECRN — that might be a regional thing.

For newer ED nurses, TNCC and ENPC are great foundations for practice and will also provide a strong foundation for board certification preparation. CEN, CPEN, and TCRN have recommendations for practice time, but no set requirements; I am not sure about CTRN because I don't hold that one. :) Does your employer offer TNCC or ENPC, or will they reimburse you? Both are excellent courses.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency, Education, Informatics.

ECRN? Is that the IL emergency communication nurse certification?

Pixi just about covered it all. Take the classes when you can, and definitely try to get your employer to pay for them. They might even be able to help you find course. TNCC, ENPC area good start and build on the initial alphabet soup, ACLS, PALS etc.

When it comes to the certifications, don't be in to much of a rush. Check out CEN first and set your self a study timetable and work towards it. Give yourself a year unless you have previous experience. For example if you had been a Paramedic a long time before you became a nurse, you'll probable need less time.

The CTRN? That one is closer to the CCRN exam than the CEN. It's relatively hard core.

As to the years of experience. None of the ones you listed "REQUIRE" a certain amount of time. At the 1.5 year mark, you've got the time in. Now it's time to make sure you've got the knowledge. Try some practice tests. Check out CEN and CCRN review stuff on youtube.

If you haven't already done it, Join ENA and AACN. They both have a lot of resources. AACN is usefully because a lot of what we do in the ED is critical care bases, especially if the ICU beds are full and we have to hold.

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Specializes in ER, Neuro, Trauma, Educator.

I really liked TNCC and found it very helpful & interesting. I have heard ENPC is also great and plan on attending the next available class. As for CEN, i am taking that one next month. There is no requirement on years of experience the way that other exams are. However, I say if you have the opportunity to attend an exam review class (i.e. like the CEN) go for it. They are usually great refreshers for when it has been a minute since nursing school and you know have some experience to apply to the content :) good luck in whatever you decide! never stop growing and learning!

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Thank you all for your help! It was much appreciated! I took ENPC and TNCC, and am planning to take the CEN course next year. Problem solved :)

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