PNP in uk now in usa how do I transfer?

[tattiebogle]

I have been working as a staff RN for 6 years in the USA. I am also a CPN. Prior to coming here was a PNP inthe UK working in acute care pediatrics. I received my MSc in advanced clinical nursing in the Uk and this allowed me to practice as a PNP. I have 22 years of acute care experience and am adjunct clinical faculty.

What is the best way of becoming certified here in the US so that I can practice as a PNP. Do I need to do more schooling and if so.

How shoudl I go about finding out what I would require to do. I am still using many skills and am working at a higher level than a staff nurse in my critical thinking.

All suggestions and comments greatly appreciated.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

You will likely have to get additional program credits via a post-master's certificate program with a PNP focus. I would start by looking for specific pediatric NP programs around you. Are there PNP programs close to where you live that you can actually meet with the director to discuss your situation and ask about how you can get credits toward a post-master's certificate?

PNP's are certified by ANCC. The other option is PNCB which also offers two separate certification exams for pediatric NP's namely, PNP-AC and PNP-PC. Both ANCC and PNCB require that the candidates for their certification exams graduated from a NLNAC or CCNE accredited program which I'm sure your UK program is not accredited by either.

PNCB's website lists the eligibility requirements for their 2 certification exams as well as provides a list of approved PNP programs in the US: http://www.pncb.org/ptistore/control/exams/index

ANCC's website provides all the information you need to know on how to get certified as a PNP: http://www.nursecredentialing.org/Certification/NurseSpecialties/PediatricNP.aspx

Depending on where you live in the US, you may be eligible to be recognized as a Pediatric CNS based on your experience and education. That you'll have to research through your state's BON.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Juan - just curious about your statement about peds CNS - I believe the criteria is also that you must have graduated from an accredited college/university.

I took the peds CNS test in March 2011 and that was listed as a qualification in order to take the test.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

Juan - just curious about your statement about peds CNS - I believe the criteria is also that you must have graduated from an accredited college/university.

I took the peds CNS test in March 2011 and that was listed as a qualification in order to take the test.

Some states do not require national certification from ANCC (or any other national board) in order to get a state-granted CNS certification. In California for instance, one can get CNS certification by educational equivalency of a previously obtained master's degree and proof of having practiced in an advanced nursing capacity that fulfills the five spheres of CNS practice (expert clinical practice, consultation, clinical leadership, research and education). I think the OP meets those criteria based on the original post.

In Michigan, there is no formal CNS certification granted by the state, however, nurses with advanced degrees (such as a master's degree in a clinical specialty of nursing) are designated as a CNS by hospitals (and other similar institutions) and are actually functioning in such roles. Both states do not grant precripitve authorty to CNS but nevertheless, the CNS is recognized as an advanced practice nursing role.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

Incidentally, NY for example will grant NP certification to a candidate who can show proof of attaining educational credentials that are equivalent to NY's requirement for NP practice. The candidate does not have to be certified by a national certification board (such as ANCC and PNCB) as long as the educational criteria is met.

http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/nurse/np.htm#educ