Specialty for RPN's

[Toaster]

Hello,

Can RPN have specialty (certification) such as cardiovascular nursing, critical care nursing? It seems like it's only for RN's :S

[loriangel14, RN]

You can do continuing education as an RPN and get certificates but it may not be the same as being certified. Some areas require the certificate in order to work there. There are certificates for OB, foot care, peri operative nursing, coronary care, oncology, endoscopy nursing, diabetic education, just to name a few.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

Certification, in the way I think you mean, is only available to RNs. Certification is obtained through the Canadian Nurses' Association (RNs) with a lot of very strict regulations. One must have a minimum number of hours worked in the area they choose to be certified in and a recommendation from a manager or supervisor, file an application and then write an exam. Maintaining certification requires 100 hours of continuing education in one's area of certification over the 5 year certification period.

As loriangel14 said, certificates can be obtained by RPNs/LPNs through continuing education in one's field, with appropriate renewals. Sometimes one's employer will pay for them but most will not. BCLS-HCP is an example - mandatory certificate, annual renewal - usually provided by the employer. ACLS is another one that most often is NOT paid for although it may be provided... because in many hospitals it's not mandatory. It's a bit confusing.

[loriangel14, RN]

Exactly. Some of the certificates I mentioned are needed for certain positions but it's not the same as certification.

[Toaster]

Thanks guys!