FNP, CRRN?

[ChapterTwo]

I just found remembered I'm eligible to take to test for certification in rehabilitation nursing (CRRN). This is something I wanted to do since I started in Rehab. I recently went per diem at my hospital to make room for NP clinicals, and when I'm an NP I'm not sure if I will be working in that setting. It would be cool someday to do something in a rehab hospital, but I'm wondering if it is worth it to go for the CRRN certification if I will be a Family NP in a year. By worth it, I'm thinking financially -- $350! Anyone have thoughts on this??

One more thing. I also picked up a per diem job at an inpatient acute hospice. They like the nurses to get certified in hospice/palliative care (CHPN). Would this make me more any more marketable as an FNP? Does anyone get dual RN certifications?

I'm not just letter-happy I promise. I'm think in terms of job market when I get out of NP school, as well as the route I'd like to take my career. I'd appreciate any comments!

[MC1906]

The choice will ultimately be yours. You could speak to potential employers and see what qualifications they prefer vs. require. You can also perform a job search online to see what NP jobs are out there and if they mention the need for the other certifications. Your role as a NP will not be the same as a bedside nurse in those settings. Having credentials behind your name can often times be a benefit because it shows that you have a minimum level of competence in the given area. I would go for it, however, as I stated earlier you will have to decide. If you don't need it right now, then I would probably reassign it by priority.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

It depends on where you will be working as a NP. FNP's provide primary care services typically in an out-patient setting. If this is your goal, I doubt if the nursing certifications you mentioned would be of benefit to you and I wouldn't think a potential employer would see this qualification as a definite plus. I've worked in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as an NP and though I was never CRRN certified, some of my NP peers were (especially the long-time Rehab Nurses). In the same token, I also did not notice any preference given to CRRN's in that setting when I worked there. However, I currently work in Critical Care and our particular job description does state that in addition to certification as an ACNP, the department prefers NP candidates with CCRN certification when hiring.

[mom2cka]

I'm a rehab RN now, and plan to take the test this December or June; I get reimbursed for it whether I pass or not, so am not really concerned about the money. I have seen very few job postings that require a certification in a field, let alone rehab, but I figure what the heck - won't hurt, and the knowledge base will be beneficial for the next 2 years I'm in rehab.