RN-BC is now MEDSURG-BC?

[twinklex5, BSN, RN]

I was submitting my application for renewal on the ANCC website when I noticed this business about MEDSURG-BC. Anyone know when this change happened? All my business cards and my email signature say RN-BC. 

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

I just passed the leadership exam for ANCC prior to the exam changes in early January. I do not know why there is a change, but I can make an educated guess.  

In the past, I was disappointed that all exams with the exception of the leadership exams were credentialed the same (RN-BC) through ANCC.  Thus, if a person passes Med Surg, Case Management, Cardiac, Geriatric etc. they were lumped into the same pot, and so I never sat for any other exam with ANCC, except leadership. Rather, I turned to other governing bodies for national certifications in the areas I was eligible. 

Nurses who take any exam are proud of passing that particular exam and should be able to tell the world through a specific designation.  I am guessing that other nurses felt the same way and expressed that opinion to the powers that be of ANCC, which may be why there is a change.  

On the other hand, I understand your frustration of updating your business cards, signature, etc.  However, you have to do the same when you update a credential or update an earned degree or are promoted, so such administrative changes comes with the territory no matter what credentialing bodies do.  Good luck! ?

[OncologyCat, BSN, RN]

I just looked it up on ANCC and looks like they’re changing the credentials for each field so it can be more specific instead of the generic RN-BC (such as GERO-BC or PED-BC). However I have to say I’m not very satisfied with how they abbreviated the credentials...

[twinklex5, BSN, RN]

I probably just didn’t read an email or something. MEDSURG-BC is a pretty long one on my email signature now but I do like how it’s more clear what I’m certified in. 

[OncologyCat, BSN, RN]

1 minute ago, twinklex5 said:

I probably just didn’t read an email or something. MEDSURG-BC is a pretty long one on my email signature now but I do like how it’s more clear what I’m certified in. 

I didn’t realize they changed it either until I saw your question! Doesn’t seem like they made a big announcement on their homepage either; I just looked through the list of credentials offered by ANCC and found they’re now changed. But I agree, MEDSURG-BC seems lengthy, but again, the CMSRN credential by the AMSN does not seem any more succinct ?