CardiacKidd1914

Thanks everyone. Yeah I work in a Level 2 Trauma Center in the ICU plus will float to the ED and PICU if they need help. Out ICU is a mixed ICU which I feel I am blessed to have worked in because we see everything. So CCRN is covered as far as hours. Since we are Trauma my TCRN is covered. We have neurotrauma, and neuro-ICU patients and are a comprehensive stroke center so my CNRN is covered and when I take my SCRN will be covered. We have open hearts, impellas, balloon pumps, etc so the last two certs I want, CSC, and CMC will be covered. Honestly I think it may be because I have worked with some NP's and PA's who don't even know their stuff in the areas they cover and maybe I am overcompensating by wanting to learn everything that we cover in our ICU so that I won't be one of those types of NP's.

I do focus on my NP but between quarters I study for the certs. I only study for a week before taking them. I feel that the knowledge I learn from the certs help me as far as bedside and can only help me more as an NP. And I only am taking the certs relevant to my scope and skill which are centered around critical care and trauma. As far as the expense for the certs my job gives me $500 for certs which are relevant for my job so it kind of pays for itself. I just wanted to know thoughts on having too many certs. Thanks for the reply.

I am addicted to certifications. I like the challenge of taking the test to test my knowledge but I really feel it helps me to be a more knowledgeable nurse as I am studying for my Acute Care AG NP and I want to be one that actually knows my stuff! Everyone at work asks me why do I waste my money on all this "alphabet soup" and I just wanted to know if anyone things too much is "too much"? CardiacKidd1914, BSN, RN, CCRN, TCRN, CNRN