PICC Certification?

[PMFB-RN]

I currently place PICCs and midlines in the hospital where I work. The hospital offered a training class several years ago and I took it. Now I place a dozen or so PICCs and PICs each week in addition to staffing in the ICU. Is there a national certification for PICC nurses? Something I can get that would indicate to other employers that I am a competent PICC nurse? Is there a national certification?

Thanks in advance.

[XY_RN]

The CRNI exam is the only nationally accepted certification for infusion nurses. There are many independant companies that offer CRNI exam review courses. What I was saying, and accept my apologies if I confused you, is that there are also many companies that offer courses whcih they advertise as leading to a "certification" as a PICC nurse. These are not true certifications. They are "certificates". There are many difference between being a certified nurse in any given specialty and being a nurse with a certificate. Neither the INS nor the INCC offer courses which lead to a certification. The INS does offer study guides and books which nurses can use to help prepare, but no actual courses. The INCC administers the CRNI exam and if the applicant passes they are then designated as a CRNI. However a nurse choses to study for the exam, whether alone, in a group, or by paying for a review course is up to them. I hope this clears up what I said originally. If not then we can continue the conversation.

Thanks

OK...I think I understand. Thanks again.

[NYMRN]

No problem. Just so you know the next INS annual meeting will be next May in Ft. Lauderdale. That is a great way to meet and network with other infusion nurses from across the country while attending great educational sessions.

[bbjon]

How do you become a picc nurse? What are the requirements?

[NYMRN]

There is no such thing as being "PICC Certified". A true certification as a nursing specialty can be achieved through examination and clinical competency but will only be "official" in the institution or facility that offers the education and training. A nurse may become "certified" by taking an exam after a course but that is not the same thing as a "certification". The best advice I can offer is to ask the inservice person where you are employed about the courses available through your job. There are several good nursing education companies that offer courses where they train you to be competent in placing PICC lines. I would check the various nursing journals you may read. I think you are looking to learn how to place PICC lines. Just be careful in the wording of what these courses offer. At the present there is no national recognition for a nurse to achieve an be considered to have a PICC certification. The course you take may or may not be recognized by your job or by a future job. I would contact the Infusion Nurses Society, www.INS1.org, and ask to speak to the Education Manager about this issue for more clarification and direction.