National Certification for School Nurses

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i have been and rn for 22 years with my last 7 years as a school nurse. july of 04 i took the certification exam for school nurses and failed by 6 points. i am retaking it next weekend. i saw 2 posts concerning taking the certification. i am wondering if anybody else has taken the exam and has anyone taken it more than once. i am curious to know how alike the test are from one test date to the next. i feel i am better prepared this time, since i have already taken it. all of the advice i have heard about taking it, is the same, so i hope that means it remains about the same from one to the next. i do realize it will be different. i studied the overview of school health services 1997 edition which was supposed to be based on the test when it was first written. now that book is totally different and no longer adviced to be used as a guideline. anybody with advice? :uhoh21:

National Certification for School Nurses

The May 31st due date for registering for the NBCSN national certification exam is fast approaching: http://www.nbcsn.com/

The national exam for school nurses is held two (2) times annually for anytime over a two week period. If the chosen test date later conflicts with your schedule, it can be changed within the two week window. The exam is offered at various locations throughout the country at computer testing centers.

Application Deadline Examination Period

5/31/2009 7/25/2009 - 8/8/2009

Registration Fee $275

***********Registration fee rising to $325 for 2010 dates******************

NASN Exam Review manual: http://www.nasn.org/store/detail.aspx?ID=67

If you are already certified, NBCSN is accepting applications to be an item writer at a pre- NASN conference session. If accepted you received a $500 stipend.

http://www.nbcsn.com/hot_news.htm

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Is a nurse who has been employed for the past 4 years as a substitute school nurse eligible to sit for the exam?

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yes. In fact, the three years expereince is only recommended, not required.

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Thanks for the quick reply. I'm planning to take the exam this summer but want to begin the study process so I don't have to cram.

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Specializes in School Nurse, Maternal Newborn.
Thanks for the quick reply. I'm planning to take the exam this summer but want to begin the study process so I don't have to cram.

If I can help you in the process in any capacity, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. I am a NY State NBCSN liaison. :specs:

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What would you suggest for preparation for the exam? Also, I live and work in NE Ohio (between Cleveland and Erie, PA) and have over 20 years Peds and Peds ER experience. What benefit would it be to obtain a School Nurse licensure vs. becoming a Certified School Nurse--do employers value one over the other? Thanks in advance!!

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Specializes in School Nurse, Maternal Newborn.
What would you suggest for preparation for the exam? Also, I live and work in NE Ohio (between Cleveland and Erie, PA) and have over 20 years Peds and Peds ER experience. What benefit would it be to obtain a School Nurse licensure vs. becoming a Certified School Nurse--do employers value one over the other? Thanks in advance!!

I would not know how to answer that question. I believe, however, that some states DO require state licensure in order to function as a school nurse in that state. (Martha , anyone?) It might be important for you to check with Ohio's school nurse governing body. National certification is not required, but many licensed or state certified school nurses acquire it as evidence of proficiency for set standards of practice. In short, you may HAVE to have the licensure, but it could be valuable to have national certification as well.:specs:

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Selekman, J. & Wolfe, L. C. (2008). School Nurse Certification Review. Silver Spring: National Association of School Nurses.

NASN bookstore: http://www.nasn.org/Default.aspx?tabid=142

Direct link to book: https://nasn.networkats.com/members_online/members/viewitem.asp?item=S007&catalog=MAN&pn=1&af=NASN

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Posted to SCHLRN-L:

Pacific Lutheran University is offering an online review course for the NBCSN exam.

Review Course for the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN) Exam

NBCSN Review / Continuing Nursing Education

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Specializes in School Nursing, Public Health, Home Care.

I just got the School Nursing Certification Review text from the NASN bookstore. (Selekman and Wolfe) It seems pretty comprehensive, with practice questions at the end of each chapter. Each chapter tells you what percent that material is on the exam. (ie, Health Appraisal, 27%)

I took one chapter quiz without reviewing the material and only got 68% correct, so I'm thinking I need to study!

The certification isn't required in my state, and won't count for more pay or anything. I just want to see if I can pass.

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Good luck!!

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Reminder the application deadline for the FEB - March test dates is Dec 31: Examination

NASN's review book:

IMPak - Product Information - S007 - School Nursing Certification Review UPDATED!

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