Nursing certifications going away??

Nurses General Nursing

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I was looking up different certifications you can get as an RN to do research for the future (I'm about to graduate, with my BSN), and more than half of them were listed as renewal only! Are all these specialty certs getting taken away or just revised? Anyone know what's up with that?

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Specializes in Medical cardiology.

Oooh that's interesting. I'm curious too.

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I actually emailed the organization that does all that asking what's going on last week. I'll post if they answer!

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Specializes in Medical cardiology.
I actually emailed the organization that does all that asking what's going on last week. I'll post if they answer!

That would be great, thank you.

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So I got an email back and they are indeed retiring those certifications. There are 14 specialties that are now renewal only and 12 that are available for new nurses or first time test takers. I dont know why or what the alternatives are but im honestly shocked because that was the only way to really increase your salary as a staff nurse. I've been told a masters degree made less than a dollar difference whereas a cert could make up to four dollars difference. Kinda sucks.

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I'm guessing the organization you're talking about is the ANCC. They have offered many different certifications over the years and retired/added new ones based on the changing demands and trends in healthcare. More and more specialty certifications are being offered by the specialty organizations themselves. Don't worry, there is certainly no dearth of specialty certifications available to RNs.

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Specializes in Pedi.
I've been told a masters degree made less than a dollar difference whereas a cert could make up to four dollars difference. Kinda sucks.

Just wondering where you heard this? It certainly hasn't been true anywhere I've ever worked.

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My nursing professors' personal experiences. I live in NJ idk if it's just there. Also from asking people on this forum I've been told that as well. People whose salary didn't go up at all after getting an Msn but who get raises from certs.

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Specializes in Medical cardiology.

At my hospital, a BSN gets you an extra $5 per WEEK and an MSN gets you $10. It's insulting, really. BSN is the minimum requirement to work there. It's got decent benefits and good hourly pay, so I don't understand how this has not been addressed. Who wouldn't want their nurses to have advanced pharm/patho/assessment skills?? I don't know about certs though. I took a picture of my contract, but I don't see how to upload pictures here. I've never done it.

How would I find out what certifications give a bump in pay at my hospital (and who would I talk to)?

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Specializes in Medical cardiology.

Also, thanks for posting this info, jvgrek.

From the sound of it, this is not an uncommon occurance, but I am just starting out and didn't know that, so the info is appreciated.

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So I got an email back and they are indeed retiring those certifications. There are 14 specialties that are now renewal only and 12 that are available for new nurses or first time test takers. I dont know why or what the alternatives are but im honestly shocked because that was the only way to really increase your salary as a staff nurse. I've been told a masters degree made less than a dollar difference whereas a cert could make up to four dollars difference. Kinda sucks.

I'm shocked too, but for a different reason. Those certifications are money makers for the organization offering them.

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Specializes in Outpatient/Clinic, ClinDoc.

My ANCC cert (amb care) appears to still be offered, but honestly I'm not planning to renew it when it's up next year. Work paid for the first one, but I've never seen a benefit for having it except for the RN-BC status. Plus it's super expensive to renew and I doubt I'll be in ambulatory care again any time soon. At least I hope not. I am sure the benefit is still there for some of the certs!

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