CMSRN or RN-BC

Specialties Med-Surg

Published

Specializes in Med-Surg., Oncology, Observational Units.

Trying to decide between these two. My question is what is your opinion on how employers and the nursing profession looks at the credibility of each of these. Do they prefer one over the other? Do you find that patients or other health care professionals have a hard time understanding what these letters mean? The main differences I notice are that RN-BC is more expensive and requires more education to keep current. Also, it appears that you have more support and educational opportunities with the CMSRN than with RN-BC. Your advice or opinion is greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.

I have already chosen to take the CMSRN. It just makes more sense to me, especially paying the membership fee to get free CE's and a cheaper test price. I don't think employers care one way or the other (mine doesn't, a Level 1 Magnet trauma/teaching hospital). I have found that a lot of people don't know what the RN-BC stands for...definitely not our patients. One of my co-workers said she only chose the RN-BC because its offered by the ANCC and she's a brand w%@*e. Nope, I'd rather go with the extra benefits and save my hard-earned money and chose the certification that is just as respected as the other but offers me more! I'm planning to take the CMSRN in August...cross your fingers!!!

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Specializes in Medical Surgical & Nursing Manaagement.

I have two certifications, one CMSRN and BC-NE. Both organizations have membership plans that offer free CEUs and I do belong to both and to support my CMSRN the AMSN organization offers many more options. Magnet accepts both equally although RN-BC or in my case BC-NE comes from the same organization as the certifying Magnet Program = ANCC. Just a word......both tests are equally difficult, they don't give certifications away. You earn them!!!! Good Luck to you.

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

We have both certs on our floor. Our job offered a study program for either test and they said it was up to us what we wanted to do. Both are Magnet approved..blah blah..

I chose CMSRN because I get more and it's a heck of a lot cheaper to join!

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ya, i noticed that the rn-bc is through the ancc which i THOUGHT was a big deal! i really loveee med surg and i want to get certified, i'm trying to make up my mind too. i've taken a practice test which just seemed like stuff i know from work or school.

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

I have never seen a difference in either certification. My badge says RN-C, not even CMSRN.

The test is fairly involved. Some questions super easy and others make you scratch your head.

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what resources do you guys recommend to read for CMSRN test?

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I have the same question.Is there anybody who can help me with CMSRN reference book or website practice test? i want to study and get prepared.

Thank you

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
I have the same question.Is there anybody who can help me with CMSRN reference book or website practice test? i want to study and get prepared.

Thank you

The Medical Surgical Nursing Certification Board website and the Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses have great resources and suggestions.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, orthopedics.
On ‎11‎/‎24‎/‎2014 at 10:36 PM, Libo said:

what resources do you guys recommend to read for CMSRN test?

@Libo I just took the CMSRN test last month (02/2019) and I used the Lippinocot Cert Review text. Search Amazon for the ISBN: 978-1496387332. There are lots of used copies for sale on there. It's a great review book that is broken down into sections based on body system and has lots of bullet points. I basically did the review questions at the end of every section and went back and read more about the stuff I wasn't too clear on. At the end of the book there is a full length practice exam (150 Q's).

I also used the PocketPrep app on iphone for some more practice questions. I passed the exam on my first try. Good luck!

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