Inpatient OB RNC exam - am I qualified?

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Specializes in C-EFM, L&D/Postpartum/AP/PACU.

Does anybody know whether working AP and post-partum counts as experience for the exam? Nurses where I work who already have their RNC are saying that it does. The web site is a little vague on what constitutes experience in that area.

My knee-jerk reaction is that I am only qualified to take the maternal-newborn exam, but there are AP and maternal-newborn sections on the inpatient OB exam and now I am transitioning to L&D.

So...how much specific LD experience is enough combined with more than the 24 months and way more than 2000 hours of AP and post-partum experience? The reason I ask is that I'm in a specialized course to learn LD skills now. It seems like it is the ideal time to take the test while all of the current knowledge is fresh in my mind. I just don't want to go to the trouble of applying if it will be a waste of my time because I'm not qualified.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I don't know if this is given through ANCC, but if it is, I would call or drop them an e-mail and ask. They're pretty good about responding to inquiries.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Here is an overview of Inpatient OB test content areas from NCC which includes fetal assessment, L&D, and the newborn (AP and PP are also included):

Download Candidate Guide

You are correct in that the eligibility requirements do not state experience in all of these areas.

You will probably need to contact them directly:

9 am - 4:30 pm M-F. 312-951-0207

http://www.nccwebsite.org/contact.aspx

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Specializes in Nurse Manager, Labor and Delivery.

Two years of experience is required before taking the exam. For the Inpatient exam there is a lot of pathophysiology and interpretation of fetal strips as well as questions directly relating to labor. If you don't have at least 2 years of experience in that arena alone, I would suggest not taking that particular exam. You may be more suited for the maternal/child exam...unless you have a firm grasp on labor and strip interpretaion. One way to find out is if you take a review course or pick up the Core Curriculum book as a study guide from AWHONN. Perusing that may help you make your decision.

The exams are much like taking boards all over again, that is how comprehensive and involved it is.

Good luck to you

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Specializes in L&D; Case Management; Nursing Education.
The exams are much like taking boards all over again, that is how comprehensive and involved it is.

I thought the OB Inpatient certification exam was harder than the boards! I did very well and passed, but I had worked for 3 yrs in L&D in a high risk unit and still found it to be tough. I suggest waiting until you have worked in L&D for awhile - book/class knowledge isn't nearly as helpful as hands-on experience, IMHO.

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Im looking for study resources....Im taking it in April. I work in a High Risk unit and have almost 3 years experience, but I am very nervous. Ive heard that it is more difficult than boards as well. If anyone has the books from CCPR that youd like to sell or let me pay shipping for....id love to buy them. You can email me at [email protected] --

Im great at interpreting strips, but when it comes to lab values....things get a little shady sometimes....so Im studying like crazy. Any tips would be appreciated!!

Thanks!!

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