I have HAD IT!

[AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

OK, I need y'alls take on this, please.

I passed my ACNP exam last month. That was my 3rd time to attempt it. I have had no end to the issues with the ANCC, and I would like some input. I was emailed after I submitted the 3rd attempt application, and told that I had to submit a FULL application. I did so, via Priority Mail, and waited, and waited, and waited. I finally called the facility to see what the problem was, only to have them tell me that they could not find my application. I was accused of not mailing it, and was told to send in another, and they would process it, but not before the eight week usual period. So, they lost my app, refused to accept it, and refused to offer to expedite the process for me, after having had my payment since April. This was in June. I passed my test July 30, after I got a phone call from them, saying that they had found my app, and would process it in a week, if I would please recant my request for a refund.

Today, I get the following email:

Dear Angelfire:

A recent review of our records indicates that your Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification, Order #yada yada, has an outstanding balance of $50.00. The original Order Amount is $390.00, and we believe that this balance has been created due to the following reason: Wrong Membership Submitted / Membership Card Missing / Membership Expired.

The balance due for this order must be paid within 60 days of this notice. If the amount in arrears is not paid, the Certification application will be deemed "Withdrawn".

If your application is deemed Withdrawn due to non-payment, ANCC will retain a $140.00 administrative fee and refund remaining balance paid, in accordance with our policies regarding Withdrawn applications.

If you desire to pay this balance by credit card, please call Customer Service at [phone]. If you desire to pay the balance by check or money order, please mail your payment to the following address:

American Nurses Credentialing Center

P.O. Box 791333

Baltimore, MD 21279-1333

If you believe are records are incorrect, please contact us via the email or the phone number shown below. If you have paid this balance in the last 5-7 business days, please disregard this notice.

Thank you for your time and attention in this regard, and we value your business.

Needless to say, I am less than pleased, especially since they have had the payment since April, the amount I was told to pay was $340 (for a retest), and, during all the phone calls back and forth about the lost app, NOTHING was mentioned about an outstanding balance. This is the first I have heard.

SO, short of calling and raising sand, what can I do? I have the receipt where I paid, the form where I passed my test. Can they take away my certification? Is there another company that offers the FNP exam, that I have to take shortly? Thanks in advance.

[PICNICRN, BSN, RN]

I think you should put one of your hexes on them! Sorry, just kidding... I just read your last post!

Seriously, I'm sorry you are having such a hard time with this--- this is supposed to be happy and exciting!

Have you called yet? I would think you have a lot to stand on with your original recipt. As for another place to test, I'm sure someone around here will know!

Hang in there----- my fingers are crossed for you!

[Bonnie Nurse]

Some battles are just battles. Remember you won the war by passing the thing, right? This is $50. Do you want to be right or uncertified? Play the game until you're out danger. Just pay the dime even though you are correct. But for future recerts, sent it FEDEX or something they have to sign for, time is noted, and person signing. Do not conduct anything over the phone!!!! unless it's documented and you tell the person that you will read back the contents of the conversation and send it via email. This usually does the trick.