Are You Board Certified?

Nurses General Nursing

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I have to admit. I have not really seen very much of this except for CCRN. I have not heard of a nurse Board Certified for med/surg. I just got the information (from ANA) about the dates for the certification testing (May and October).

Anyone have this or other certification? How do you study for this? Is it beneficial?

Thank you,

B.:)

Specializes in CV-ICU.

I've been a CCRN off and on since 1977. I took the test each time I renewed or decided to recertify except the last time when I recertified by doing CEU's. I will recertify this time by CEUs also: the test is definitely becoming harder each time.I've maintianed my CCRN for 9 years this time, and do not plan to let it lapse again. I first took the test just to prove to myself that I did know something. There is quite a number of RNs on my unit who are CCRNs, and we have at least 1 or 2 who have certifications in over areas. One of our Assistant Head Nurses is certified in Gerontology.

Every time I go to study the book for my OB RNC, I get pregnant. I stopped trying for a while. :D

Suzy: Maybe no-one else realizes the statute of limitations for OB cases is 18-25 years, depending upon what state you live in. I agree about the liability issue. I think you get more respect from staff/management when you are hired, but not every hospital gives a pay incentive for the certification. Most won't pay for the test.

I have done all the footwork to be a lactation consultant, but I won't take the test. Once you have that cert behind your name, people expect you to do it ALL the time. I certainly like a good labor pt instead of all the breastfeeding problems. Having the knowledge and applying it for the patient can be different than just having the credentials.

Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Add me to the "certifiable" nurses. I have ONC. Orthopaedic Nurse Certified...through the ONCB. I first received ONC in 1989. I chose to recertify through the exam in 1994 & 1999. I won't do it again as I can not work.

http://www.orthopaedicnurse.org/Certification/general.htm

Wow P RN.... it sounds like there are many avenues to get certification.... Congratulations on insisting on being the best in the field! Gosh yesterday I worked briefly on an Ortho Floor for a very large hospital (and I had done this for a year about three years ago too)... there were SO may acronyms I was not familiar with! Amazing growth in that area.... never heard of a "pain buster" before yesterday! Kewl stuff....

I think that certification would help me to be more marketable... and be a wonderful way to improve my skills and get tuned up once again on information I do not deal directly with on a regular basis.

I do like the idea of the tapes for learning (the ANCC had 10 in their series). I do not want to pay a whole lot for them but would love to find some (for med/surg) that were less pricy or "to borrow" someones....

I do have access to NCLEX books at our local library...If anyone hears about any other options for learning tools for tapes or such... please let me know....

B.:)

Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

Susy...that really isn't true....there are many places that require fetal monitoring...my hospital being one. And there are many places that are starting to require you to have the certifications to work in the units.

I have mine...I don't get paid anymore, but it is a personal achievement for me! :) About 1/4 of the staff are RN, C :)

Specializes in LDRP; Education.

NicuGal-

We have to go to a class, but it is not the actual certifcation. That is expensive and usually has to be paid out of pocket. Are you talking about the RNC or about EFM Certification? They are different things.

If a hospital required me to be certified in EFM I would be sorely disappointed. I can read a strip just as well through the hospital based course than with the expensive certification program through Michelle Murray - without the added liability.

Just my opinion. ;)

Originally posted by NicuGal

Susy...that really isn't true....

What really isn't true? I'm unsure which of her points you are contesting.:)

Suzy: I love Michelle Murray, don't you? Her classes are hilarious and fun. However, I always leave feeling REALLY nervous about liability.

Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

I have been certified for Neonatal Intensive Care, but let it lapse--they pay us $100/mo (prorated for part timers) for certification.

RNC or not, I am ALWAYS certifiable!

Specializes in LDRP; Education.

I have some of Murray's literature, but I've never attended a conference. I've heard wonderful things about them though and heard she is a wonderful presenter. I'd love to go if I had the funds.

Certified in perioperative nursing since 1988 ( CNOR) Renewed twice. Renewable every 5 years either by taking the exam again OR by having 150 contact hours. I have always maintained the contact hours...don't care to have to take that test again.

Some facilities I have worked at will pay for the initial certification exam. Rarely have I seen an hourly compensation for certification.

K Lynn

Well, I am proud to say that I just passed my CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse).

I went to a review course and read thur the core corriculum. But what helped me the most was doing all those sample test question.

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