I have been searching and searching feverishly to find a new PDN case to work for. They are so few and far between where I live, and what I've been looking for just kind of fell into my lap tonite :) My last PDN patient passed away 2-1/2 years ago and at the same time I had my own health problems and was forced to go on disability temporarily while I healed. But, getting all my ducks in a row here lately....renewed my vent certification, renewing CPR next week and a new case....wow!!! I am just so lucky!!! The Mom sounds really wonderful to work for so my fingers are crossed that our interview/get-together goes well :)
Nope, in WI there IS actual certification and if you're doing PDN with someone on Medicaid, its required that you hold current certification.
I didn't think there is an actual certification. Although some agencies must check you off before working with a vent patient. But most equipment companies do classes and the agencies do as well. The classes aren't great and don't teach everything you should know. But they do teach enough to operate the vent in the most basic way. They don't teach formulas for settings or how to read the vent to figure out the problem the patient may be having.
Nope, in WI there IS actual certification and if you're doing PDN with someone on Medicaid, its required that you hold current certification.
Interesting. Do you have a link you can share? I'm curious. I think it's a great idea. I can see where agency policies may conflict with some things taught for the certification. But I think it would be very useful, especially for nurses that are new to the area of nursing.
Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.
Nope, in WI there IS actual certification and if you're doing PDN with someone on Medicaid, its required that you hold current certification.
Excellent idea. I wish our state did that. I'm sure it's largely to prevent agencies from throwing untrained nurses on vent cases w nothing more than an orientation. Like what happened to me way back in the beginning of my PDN adventure...
What kind of link? When I first did PDN, it was through an agency, and did peds vent work, they required certification, either peds OR adult. When there was an insurance change and the same case when 100% Medicaid, we as providers had to get NPI numbers and become providers registered independently with the State and if we were working with patients under 16, we had to have peds certification, over 16 you had to have adult certification or you couldn't work on said cases. A couple of the nurses on this case elected not to continue rather than take the peds class.
Interesting. Do you have a link you can share? I'm curious. I think it's a great idea. I can see where agency policies may conflict with some things taught for the certification. But I think it would be very useful, especially for nurses that are new to the area of nursing.
What kind of link? When I first did PDN, it was through an agency, and did peds vent work, they required certification, either peds OR adult. When there was an insurance change and the same case when 100% Medicaid, we as providers had to get NPI numbers and become providers registered independently with the State and if we were working with patients under 16, we had to have peds certification, over 16 you had to have adult certification or you couldn't work on said cases. A couple of the nurses on this case elected not to continue rather than take the peds class.
You said in WI there is a certification. But then you said it's agency certification. It's a big difference. It's not a true certification with an agency as it's not something recognized. Basically with an agency it means you are checked off. Some agencies do classes which include their slant (their policies). But a certification would be recognized nationally or at least by your state. My understanding is that there are no certifications for PDN. With my agency we are "coded" as being able to care for a specific population or use a certain skill. But that doesn't carry over to any other agency and the state doesn't recognize it, neither does the BON.
No you misread. There IS state certification, which is required if you accept direct payment from the state. The agency I worked for requires that certification as well. The agency isn't qualified to bestow that certification upon anyone.
You said in WI there is a certification. But then you said it's agency certification. It's a big difference. It's not a true certification with an agency as it's not something recognized. Basically with an agency it means you are checked off. Some agencies do classes which include their slant (their policies). But a certification would be recognized nationally or at least by your state. My understanding is that there are no certifications for PDN. With my agency we are "coded" as being able to care for a specific population or use a certain skill. But that doesn't carry over to any other agency and the state doesn't recognize it, neither does the BON.
I reviewed WI University (U of WI?) Vent/Trach education. They allow you to view the whole thing online. It's a great service. I also did the in-service for the vent, which is pretty much a waste of energy. "here's how you turn it on, here's how you turn it off, here's how you reset the alarm."
As for calculating settings, in NY it is outside of an RN's scope of practice. We cannot touch the settings. Only the pulmonologist, or respiratory therapist can change them. The RR has tried to get me to make changes over the phone, um no, not in my scope. Sorry. You need to get your behind over here.
BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN
3,520 Posts
Nope, in WI there IS actual certification and if you're doing PDN with someone on Medicaid, its required that you hold current certification.