CMC and/or CSC?

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Specializes in Surgical/Trauma ICU.

Hey all,

So my background is in cardiac & cardiac surgery tele, and I recently started working on a surgical ICU. I want to get my CSC, and my question is, should I also get my CMC? Are there significant advantages to having both certs vs just one?

Couldn't find much info out there regarding reasons to have both instead of one, but it seems like a lot of RNs do both so I'm just wondering if it's worth it.

Thanks!!!

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Specializes in Cardiology.

Both would help you, imo. Cant hurt to get both!

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

It's totally up to you. Be aware that CSC and CMC are subspecialty certifications. That means you have to possess specialty certification first such as CCRN before you can add CSC or CMC. If you look at AACN's website, there actually aren't as many CSC and CMC certified nurses compared to those with CCRN.

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthesiology.

Not really sure what advantages you are thinking they will give you other than learning the stuff in each exam but that's about it. You are not going to make more money by having them.

It could perhaps allow you a leg up on job interviews or the ability to be a RN who has 1500 letters after their name on their badge or jacket though lol

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Specializes in CVICU/ED, CCRN-CSC, CFRN.
On 1/15/2019 at 6:43 PM, PaSSiNGaS said:

Not really sure what advantages you are thinking they will give you other than learning the stuff in each exam but that's about it. You are not going to make more money by having them.

It could perhaps allow you a leg up on job interviews or the ability to be a RN who has 1500 letters after their name on their badge or jacket though lol

Not necessarily true, several hospitals in my region including my current one offers pay increases for certifications.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Progressive Care.

You first need a PCCN or CCRN prior to obtaining either one of these certifications. That can be a little costly so it's something else to consider.

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CSC for me was scenario based and like another day at work. CCRN was harder.

I didn't get paid for it, just wanted the challenge.

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How did you review for CSC. Any suggestions? Thank you.

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