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Vol. 23, No. 8, AUGUST 2006

CERPS UP
Coming in January: Renewal by Synergy CERPs


CCRNs renewing in January 2007 will be the first group to have the option of using the new Renewal by Synergy CERPs program or the current Renewal by CERPs program.
Information about both programs will be included in the CCRN Renewal Handbook, which will be posted online in August.

The Renewal by Synergy CERPs program will replace the current Renewal by CERPs program on Jan. 1, 2010.
Here are some recently asked questions about Renewal by Synergy CERPs:

1. What is the Synergy CERPs Category for the CE program on the Value of Certification (on the CD-ROM at the Certification Dinner)?
This program should be listed under Category B because the topic relates to advocacy. All certification, patient safety and regulatory (JCAHO, etc) programs will fall under Category B.

2. What is the Synergy CERPs category for Joan Lunden’s keynote session at NTI 2006?
The session was primarily about dealing with change, which is part of systems thinking, so it would be included in Category C.

3) Who determines what category (A, B or C) a topic or activity falls under?
Eventually, AACN offerings will be coded. In the interim and for non-AACN programs and activities, certificants will determine where the topic or activity will fall, based on definitions and examples in the renewal handbook.

If you have questions about which category (A, B or C) a program or activity would fit in under the new Renewal by Synergy CERPs program, e-mail certification@aacn.org. To learn more about the new renewal option, visit www.certcorp.org and click on What’s New.

Postcards Prove Popular at NTI Certification Celebration Dinner



Certified nurses who attended the NTI 2006 Certification Celebration dinner were asked to write a note of encouragement to nurses who might be considering certification. Postcards containing these handwritten messages will be included in exam handbooks and other certification preparation products ordered during the next few months. Following are excerpts of these messages.

I know you are considering taking on AACN certification exam and I wanted you to know that you can do it! The exam is only one piece of a journey of excellence that you are on. Please know that you have the best wishes of thousands of certified nurses supporting you as you begin this journey. Passing the exam is only the beginning. Good Luck!

AACN certification verifies that you have gone the extra mile for your patients and that you possess a high level of knowledge and skills in giving expert nursing care. I applaud you for choosing to become certified.

Congratulations on your decision to seek certification. Achieving this goal will demonstrate to everyone that you are an “expert” nurse and well prepared to care for the patients and families you serve. Study hard. The rewards are great!

Becoming certified is a big step in your career as a critical care nurse. It’s the first step in a journey that shows a lifelong commitment to your patients and your own professional growth. You can do it!

You can do it! Becoming certified helps you grow in so many ways. Not only does your knowledge increase but for me it lit a spark of self improvement. It showed me that at my age I could still learn and grow. The example I set for my team members and children was worth all the studying and worrying. You can do it. Email me & I’ll be your mentor, cheerleader or whatever you need. You can do it, picture it, prepare for it and do it!

Go for it! Gook luck on the exam! It’s not so bad, and it’s definitely worth it professionally. By taking it you are not only advancing your career but demonstrating to others how nursing is a profession, not just a job.

You have chosen a very special field/facet of nursing that incorporates a high level of critical thinking, problem solving, and judgment to provide the best care for your patients. Take pride in what you do and validate that level of knowledge and skill by obtaining certification specific to you. It’s one of the best things you can do to role model professionalism & excellence. Good Luck!

Congrats on taking this first step on a journey to excellence. Certification offers validation for yourself and for peers, physicians and patients/families that you are one of the best. Good luck taking the test. If possible find someone to take this journey with you. Journeys are always more fun with friends.

Registration for PCCN, CMC and CSC Certification Exams Now Online

You can now register online for the Progressive Care (PCCN) specialty certification exam and the cardiac medicine (CMC) or cardiac surgery (CSC) subspecialty certification exams.

Online registration will significantly shorten application processing time to two to three weeks (applications submitted by mail generally take six to eight weeks to process).

This quick, convenient way to register is currently available only for the PCCN, CMC and CSC exams. Other exams will be added soon.

For more information, visit www.certcorp.org
and click on What’s New.

Dec. 31, 2006, Is Deadline to Make Up Transcripted Hours for CCNS Exam

Four months remain before the new deadline to have transcripted clinical hours for CNS program deficiencies and to be eligible to sit for the CCNS exam.

If you plan to take the exam, please evaluate your eligibility now. If your transcript is deficient when the window closes on Dec. 31, 2006, you will not be able to make up the hours; consequently, you will not be eligible to sit for the exam.
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