Med-Surg Certification

wooh, BSN, RN · Aug 13, 2007

I used ed4nurses to study. Passed and felt prepared. Also learned a lot while studying!

montieICURN · Aug 13, 2007

I'm sorry I don't have any info, but It is GREAT that you are doing it!!!!

dmp135 · Oct 28, 2007

Hi,

I am also using ed4nurses and the Springhouse MS Nursing Cert book. I plan to take the ANCC exam. It's a lot like studying for the boards again ;-=) I've done well on practice/chalenge exams and so hope springs eternal.

raindrop · Oct 28, 2007

What is the purpose in obtaining a certificate? For resume purposes?

How long before you have to recertify?

RN1989 · Oct 28, 2007

What is the purpose in obtaining a certificate? For resume purposes?
How long before you have to recertify?

Certification validates that you have a large number of documented hours of working in your specialty and provides evidence that you have educated yourself on that specialty beyond what you receive in school. You will also be continuing that education as long as you hold certification.

By obtaining certification, you demonstrate your expertise in the field. This is important for Magnet facilities as well as pt/doctor satisfaction. Certification can assist you to get more money. It can help you get a job that you might not get otherwise because of lack of a particular college degree. If you apply for a job and you are competing with other applicants with similar backgrounds, having a certification can push the job in your direction. Not to mention that you will improve the care you give patients because of the large amounts of CEs you must get to keep your certification. The more knowledgeable you are, the less likely you are to make a mistake, and the better off your life will be. It also is good for your own personal self-esteem.

Each agency that grants a particular certification has it's own rules regarding qualifying for certification and how long the certification period lasts.

RN1989 · Oct 28, 2007

I have recently returned to med-surg after a 5 year furlough. I want to take the Med-Surg certification exam. Any quick study tips and advice on good study materials?

Check the rules on the required number of hours worked that you must have had RECENTLY in order to take the exam since you have been out of M/S for 5 years.

I took mine years ago when there was just one thin book to study from and it was paper/pencil. I read that book cover to cover for a year before taking the exam and passed on the first try. The exam I had focused on a lot of oncology and not general med-surg. And it was a whole lot harder than I thought boards were.

raindrop · Oct 28, 2007

So I went to the ed4nurses website.....does tthe ed4nurses methd really help you at the bedside? I don't see how it can be retained.....

dmp135 · Oct 28, 2007

The Ed4nurses Med-Surg Certification program is a series of study CDs

and written workbook to prepare you for the test. I'm not sure what you mean by "help you at the bedside"

I find educational material such as what is offered there helpful in

updating knowledge and acquiring new knowledge. I have found many of his teaching approaches helped to simplify concepts that were confusing in the past. I have actually found myself using some things at the bedside although that was not my intention. I just wanted a test prep.

For me I needed a structured study guide for the particular issue at hand, namely THE TEST. Since I had no frame of reference as of how to study for it particularly, I found his program a good thorough review and also it guarantees a retake fee for a retest providing you follow specific guidelines.

Personally I feel the tests are pricey as is the study program but I might as well at least get a guarantee along with materials was my attitude.

I hope that helps.

RN1989 · Oct 28, 2007

So I went to the ed4nurses website.....does tthe ed4nurses methd really help you at the bedside? I don't see how it can be retained.....

I'm not sure quite what you mean also. Do you mean that you don't think that this info will help you in your role as a staff nurse? The more you know, the better you can educate your patients, plan your patients care, interact with other disciplines, and prevent complications and errors.

And what about "I don't see how it can be retained"? If you went to nursing school, learned enough information to pass and then to pass your boards, you retained a lot of material. Learning more indepth about disease dx, tx, and prevention is just like being back in school again. You're never too old to learn.

Am I on target with what your thoughts were? If not, feel free to clarify.