New subspecialty (ELBW and Neuro) NICU certifications?

[adventure_rn, MSN, NP]

Did anybody else see this email from the NCC yesterday?

https://www.nccwebsite.org/certification-exams/new-subspecialty-certifications-coming-soon

Apparently NCC will be offering two new subspecialty certifications,Care of the ELBW Neonate and Neonatal Neuro Critical Care, in addition to their two existing subspecialty certifications (Neonatal/Peds Transport and Electronic Fetal Monitoring).

I'm...confused? On the one hand, I think these are definitely important topics. On the other hand, I feel like they're already pretty much covered in the RNC-NIC. Especially the ELBW certification: I looked through the content outline, and it seems very similar to the content for the general exam (with an emphasis on preemies...but doesn't all NICU have an emphasis on preemies?) Maybe I'm misunderstanding, but it feels kind of redundant? I get having a separate cert for something like neonatal/peds transport, as it is an entirely different beast from NICU. However, these seem like they'd have a lot of overlap with the original exam content. The Neuro makes a little more sense to me since there are a tiny handful of dedicated 'Neuro NICUs' around the country; still, that's a tiny sample size.

Anybody out there considering testing for these? The overachiever part of me kind of wants to go for it (especially because I figure the curve might be easier while they're still validating the exams). However, the pragmatist isn't sure I want to pay $210 per test (especially since my employer only pays for the one specialty certification, which I already have...)

I also find it kind of bewildering that the subspecialty exams don't require any actual NICU experience--I guess new grads hoping to land NICU jobs could theoretically become 'Certified in the Care of ELBW neonates,' which also feels kind of concerning.

So...what do you guys think??

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

10 hours ago, adventure_rn said:

The overachiever part of me kind of wants to go for it (especially because I figure the curve might be easier while they're still validating the exams). However, the pragmatist isn't sure I want to pay $210 per test

This is what I was thinking. I applied for transport and the process is being delayed due to the manager's personal issues. If I get hired by transport, then I will take the Neo/Peds Transport cert. If I don't get hired, then these are a possibility or RNC-NIC

[babyNP., APRN]

I’m assuming you need 2 years NICU experience like the NIC test so not for new grads. EDIT- oh I misread your post, sorry. Looks like not but I can’t imagine a new grad passing this kind of exam anyway...

I know in some large centers, they have developed neuro nicu and micropreemie sections of the NICU. From what I gather, it’s a little bit of show bc it’s not like other “regular” NICU nurses can’t take care of those babies and they follow specific policies regarding these patients. But that’s kind of like a regular NICU...so it seems like it’s more of a hospital marketing gimmick. Please- if anyone has more inside info on that please correct me. I certainly haven’t seen all of these “specialty” units in the US.

I assume the certifications are to help nurses in those “special” units get more hospital recognition and for things like magnet. It’s also good I suppose for general knowledge- but it’s pretty niche and won’t apply to most NICU nurses

[vintage_RN, BSN, RN]

I find it a bit weird and unnecessary. In Canada, they have just only released the NICU nursing speciality exam through the Canadian nurses association last year. I feel like NICU is so specialized in its own right that you don’t need all these sub specialties ??‍♀️ Maybe transport because that’s a whole other ballgame, but not the others.

[Thenewnicunurse]

I wanted to follow up on this thread and see if you were planning on studying for these certifications or if you have, what study materials you used? I know some nurses on my unit just received their certifications and was interested in taking them myself!

[Whull1, BSN, DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

I currently work in a large, US top rated, NICU. We do have a special ELBW unit, that you have to be trained to work in. I want to take the ELBW exam because micro's are my favorite population. I am currently a RNC-NIC nurse and have my NANN Developmental Care Specialist designation. Looking for tips or study materials for this new ELBW exam.

[Thenewnicunurse]

On 5/30/2020 at 1:00 AM, Whull1 said:

I currently work in a large, US top rated, NICU. We do have a special ELBW unit, that you have to be trained to work in. I want to take the ELBW exam because micro's are my favorite population. I am currently a RNC-NIC nurse and have my NANN Developmental Care Specialist designation. Looking for tips or study materials for this new ELBW exam.

How did you study for the NANN Developmental Care Specialist qualification? I am a huge advocate for developmental care in our population and never heard of it before this thread. It seems like there is a textbook and a set of modules they offer as study resources.

[Whull1, BSN, DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

I didn't study for it. This exam was straight forward, can take it at home. I took it after working a shift.

[Thenewnicunurse]

3 hours ago, Whull1 said:

I didn't study for it. This exam was straight forward, can take it at home. I took it after working a shift.

Oh WOW!! How's the format? Just multiple questions? Do you get your results right away? Also, I would private message you but I can't since I'm new.

[Whull1, BSN, DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

No worries. It was multiple choice format. I think 150 questions? Yes, results are immediate. It honestly wasn't that bad. Good luck!

[Thenewnicunurse]

29 minutes ago, Whull1 said:

No worries. It was multiple choice format. I think 150 questions? Yes, results are immediate. It honestly wasn't that bad. Good luck!

Oh awesome, thank you! ?

[Whull1, BSN, DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

Update: Just found out I passed the C-ELBW!