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.
Specializes in DNP, NNP-BC, RNC-NIC, C-ELBW, DCSD.
I used the NCC's Golden Hours text and the STABLE book to study, plus did RNC practice questions. The test was HARD. Harder than any of the tests I've ever taken. The questions were on stuff I've never read, some of it I had never heard of Don't think we're allowed to discuss specifics. I found out that I passed in about a week, I checked the NCC website everyday (bad test anxiety). Good luck?
I used the NCC's Golden Hours text and the STABLE book to study, plus did RNC practice questions. The test was HARD. Harder than any of the tests I've ever taken. The questions were on stuff I've never read, some of it I had never heard of Don't think we're allowed to discuss specifics. I found out that I passed in about a week, I checked the NCC website everyday (bad test anxiety). Good luck?
Oh WOW!! I heard it was a pretty difficult exam from other people as well. I have read through the Golden Hours book and it seems very similar to the CCRN/RNC-NIC content. I just don't know what to expect.
Also, if anyone is interested in the C-NNIC certification, I passed it a few weeks ago!!
https://skills-on-point.teachable.com/p/elbw 12 hours of CE. LIFETIME ACCESS. VALIDATED CONTENT...( All of my private students have passed the C-ELBW with flying colors! ) Loads of free references and resources built into the course... Lastly, profits from course sales go to support ongoing neonatal pediatric medical missions in Guyana, Haiti, and Nepal...so not only are you improving your resume, you are also improving the lives of bitty babies around the world...! Party with a Purpose... Certification and a Cause!
With this course does it delve into the detail needed to answer test questions? I am recently rnc nic certified and feel like the study materials I used just scratched the surface of the actual content of the questions.
I know this is an older thread, but thought I would just add my experience. I purchased and watched about half of @SeanGSmith ‘s course (wasn’t able to get through all of it because of work/family obligations) and read through sections of Gomella’s Neonatology and Merenstein and Gardner’s Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care. I just took the exam this last Monday, 6/14. It was not nearly as hard as I thought it was going to be. I do not know if I passed. I feel like I did about my NCLEX… just unsure. If I do not pass, I will make sure to take a deeper dive into Sean’s class because after watching only half of it one time through… I have no doubt I would pass easily. His class is spot on with the material you need to know for this exam.
Thenewnicunurse
21 Posts
CONGRATS! What did you use for study materials? Also, did it take 15 days for your results?