Certifications and organizations

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I have decided to make cardiac nursing my main focus. What are the right organizations to become a member of? And what certifications do you recommend testing for? I hope to go back to school to become a cardiac nurse practitioner within the next few years. Thank you!

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Specializes in LTC, Medical, Telemetry.

I'm not entirely sure about the organizations, but some certs you would probably want under your belt include ACLS, EKG interpretation (We call this 'Mod II' where I am, not sure about elsewhere), and some form of dysrythmia course (Although you will get a lot from ACLS). Good place to start anyway.

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All set with those! I meant more along the lines of chf or progressive care certs? Any society of cardiac nursing? Thanks!

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Specializes in Telemetry, Cardiacf.

There are a number of Nursing Certifications out there including a few specific to Cardiology. The ones that come to mind for me are: Cardiac Vascular Nursing, (the one I'm considering) Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC), and Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC). There are also some for the Critical Care Nurse.

As far as societies or associations are concerned, PCNA (Preventative Cardiovascular Nurse Association) and AACVPR (American Association of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation) are the only ones I can think of.

Two places you can find information are with your employer for the ones they prefer and the internet.

Good luck with your search and certification.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Don't forget the AACN (American Association of Critical Care Nurses). They offer a PCCN certification in which cardiac, step-down and telemetry nurses are eligible for.

There is CVRN, CSC (cardiac surgery certification), CMC (cardiac medicine certification) and RN-BC for cardiovascular nursing (through the ANA).

Look into ACLS and EKG interpretation classes (including 12-lead interpretation).

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I have my CEN and CCRN (i currently work in ER). What other cert is worth getting for somebody who works in the cath lab? Like something that has more "weight" compared to others.

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Specializes in CCU, CVICU, Cath Lab, MICU, Endoscopy..
I have my CEN and CCRN (i currently work in ER). What other cert is worth getting for somebody who works in the cath lab? Like something that has more "weight" compared to others.

CVRN level 2 it's very informative if you want to be in cardiology. They also offer review classes around the country. Visit http://www.accn.net and read more about it. I personally have both CCRN-CMC and CVRNII i have learned more from the cvrn classes they also offer 12 lead interpretation cert. Am at the Houston TMC and St. lukes heart hospital hosts her classes every year. Very knowledgeable instructor. Best wishes.

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Specializes in Cath Lab/ ICU.
I have my CEN and CCRN (i currently work in ER). What other cert is worth getting for somebody who works in the cath lab? Like something that has more "weight" compared to others.
RCIS...
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