CPR certification...

[jenac]

As I sit here looking at my now expired CPR Red-Cross certification, I kick myself for not signing up for the class my employer held six months ago! Here's my question-is it required as part of our nursing license?

I'll take the class on my own-regardless of the answer I may get here, but I wonder if, as a licensed nurse, do I have to? Is it required? Or just strongly recommended? I know that when my employer finally got around to offering the class- several nurses had expired certification, one for more than a year.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Not sure if it's a requirement as a licensed nurse, but the majority of employers require it.

[Chrislynn2003]

I know that it is where I'm at. If your certifications are expired, they will automatically let you know and make you sign up for the next available class.

[sjoe]

I have never worked anywhere that this certification was not required to be kept up to date by all RNs and LVNs who deal directly with patients. Every competent facility keeps track of such items and will not permit someone with an expired certification to come to work (or to be paid). The responsibility, of course, lies with the employee, not the employer, to keep all their required licenses and certifications up to date.

[altomga, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN]

At my facility it is required yearly.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

We have to have it. Every two years. On the odd years we used to have to exhibit competency in CPR by demonstration, but I've noticed we haven't had to do that the last couple of years, but definitely have to have the card.

[Monica RN,BSN]

Yup ... Agreed.. it is required in most states, and nearly all employers will also require it. Good Luck To you!! :)

[SteelTownRN]

CPR certification is not a licensure requirement, but any institution worth anything will require current certification from their employees. If something were to hapen, and a nurse couldn't perform CPR, an attorney would have an easy time proving negligence on the part of the institution for not keeping staff certified. I am a nurisng instructor, and we must have the same certification as the nurses at the institution wher I take my students.

-STG

[jemb]

California license renewal does not ask about or require any evidence of CPR certification, but every employer I have had has required it.

[Nurse89]

Same here. Not required for licensure, but definitely required by employers. Some places will allow you to do a recert, but not if your certification has expired.

[Audreyfay]

Agree. CPR certification is not needed for RN licensure or renewal. Employers require nurses to have CPR certification. If a new employee has an expired certification, they usually get them into a re-cert program within 1 month.

[Audreyfay]

Too bad I'm not closer. I'm a CPR Instructor. :)