Neonatal Certification Test

After 17 years in NICU, I've finally decided to take the certification test.

I'm taking a review class in April and will take the computer test, not written.

Does anyone have any tips on studying for it? Areas which you felt were toughest? or perhaps not covered well enough in the review materials?

I appreciate the help. If I pass, the hosp will pay (yay).

[BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN]

That test is so diverse! The people that took it before me had a ton of genetics on it, mine had FEN on it out the wazoo A lot of it is common sense, but there is stuff on there that not all NICU's do. Just go over the review materials and you should be fine :)

[Gompers, BSN, RN]

I've had some coworkers who did review classes and studied like mad for the test, and others who just went into it without reviewing at all. Everyone passed.

I know you need to work in a NICU for 2 years before you take it, but most people say if you've had 5+ years of Level III experience, expecially if you work full time with a variety of patients, that it's common sense.

I keep meaning to schedule a date to take the test myself. I think I'll go over cardiac and genetics, as these areas are my weakness, and then kind of skim everything else. I wish they had a sample test of it though!

[kitty29]

How about the CCRN for neonatal? Is that simular to the RNC ?? I need the CCRN for part of my BSN program.

[Gompers, BSN, RN]

How about the CCRN for neonatal? Is that simular to the RNC ?? I need the CCRN for part of my BSN program.

I believe there's only the one certification exam for NICU.

[kitty29]

I believe there's only the one certification exam for NICU.

No there are both....there is a CCRN too.

[NoCrumping]

I believe there's only the one certification exam for NICU.

There are two..... But does anybody know which one is better to have? Can you have both? Some co workers are studying from a book called "core review for neaonatal int. care nsg" but, I am not sure what cert. it is for... I look at it often, it has test like queations to practice on, and I think anybody who has spent time working in the NICU (level 3) will think the content is common knowledge........Does anybody know what cert the above book is for, or is it a general study guide?

[kitty29]

There are two..... But does anybody know which one is better to have? Can you have both? Some co workers are studying from a book called "core review for neaonatal int. care nsg" but, I am not sure what cert. it is for... I look at it often, it has test like queations to practice on, and I think anybody who has spent time working in the NICU (level 3) will think the content is common knowledge........Does anybody know what cert the above book is for, or is it a general study guide?

If you have the BSN I'd do the RNC, but I don't and need the CCRN to complete a clinical requirerment. It does take more credits to renew the CCRN, I think the cost the same to take.

Maybe even some hospitals prefer one from the other....in our hospital they are wanting the transport nurses to have the RNC.

[NoCrumping]

If you have the BSN I'd do the RNC, but I don't and need the CCRN to complete a clinical requirerment. It does take more credits to renew the CCRN, I think the cost the same to take.

Maybe even some hospitals prefer one from the other....in our hospital they are wanting the transport nurses to have the RNC.

Thanks Kitty...

[Gompers, BSN, RN]

Maybe it's a regional thing. Our hospital doesn't pay you extra either way for being certified, but a lot of nurses still do it anyways. They ALL have an RNC, I don't know anyone who has a CCRN in NICU. I asked around at work last night and no one else had heard of it either. Is there a website?

[RN4NICU, LPN, LVN]

Maybe it's a regional thing. Our hospital doesn't pay you extra either way for being certified, but a lot of nurses still do it anyways. They ALL have an RNC, I don't know anyone who has a CCRN in NICU. I asked around at work last night and no one else had heard of it either. Is there a website?

http://www.certcorp.org/certcorp/certcorp.nsf/edcfc72ba47aaa708825666b0064bdcf/0ef58ca7a898d6f788256672005db917?OpenDocument

There are separate CCRN exams for adult, pediatric, and neonatal

[RN4NICU, LPN, LVN]

If you have the BSN I'd do the RNC, but I don't and need the CCRN to complete a clinical requirerment. It does take more credits to renew the CCRN, I think the cost the same to take.

Maybe even some hospitals prefer one from the other....in our hospital they are wanting the transport nurses to have the RNC.

I'm confused here. I don't think you have to have a BSN to sit for RNC exam, just minimum experience requirement. Anyone know for sure?

Edited to add: Answered my own question. It is not required. Just need 2 years of experience sometime during your career with employment in the specialty area within the last 2 years.

http://nccnet.org/public/files/39890_Core.pdf