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AACN News—June 2009—Certification

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Vol. 26, No. 6, JUNE 2009

New PCCN Test Plan


Although there were minor revisions in the new PCCN Test Plan implemented this month, one of the biggest changes is the addition of a Behavioral category under Clinical Judgment. Clinical problems such as delirium and dementia, mood disorders and depression, and substance abuse are now identified specifically on the PCCN Test Plan. In addition, behavioral-oriented nursing actions may be tested related to performing a psychosocial assessment, administering medications, treatments or interventions and monitoring patient response, and recognizing signs and symptoms of behavioral emergencies and initial interventions. The Behavioral section of the PCCN Test Plan is weighted at 4 percent of the exam. These patient problems and testable nursing actions are part of the new PCCN Test Plan, available online at www.certcorp.org > Certification News.

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Grady Health System Celebrates Critical Care With Wall of Honor

The Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) at Grady Health System has created an environment of certification by encouraging and providing ongoing advanced training and monetary incentives. The SICU firmly believes that excellence in nursing care is driven by the certified critical care nurses on the unit. The Wall of Honor features a certification plaque that is continually growing and the Tree of Life©, a poem in the shape of a tree developed by CCRNs on the unit to describe their practice. The Tree of Life is dedicated to SICU staff by medical director Dr. Grace Rozycki.
SICU
GRADY
WE FEEL
WE HEAL
WE CARE
WE SHARE
WE EDUCATE
WE MOTIVATE
WE INITIATE
WE COLLABORATE
WE ARE INDUSTRIOUS
WE ARE SPONTANEOUS

WE SEE IT ALL
WE DO IT ALL

WE ARE THE TREE OF LIFE©
WE ARE THE NURSES OF THE SURGICAL
INTENSIVE CARE UNIT.


Left to right: Keri Jones, Judith Holzigal, Avia Newton, Mayola Bedden, Charles Ginigeme, Cathy Churbock (unit director) and Suzanne Levi. Not pictured: Japonica Morris

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Renewal by Synergy CERPs Countdown

The Renewal by CERPs program is being phased out by the end of the year, to be replaced by Renewal by Synergy CERPs. If you are a current CCRN or PCCN, be sure you are earning Category A, B and C CERPs in the required amounts. For more information go to www.certcorp.org > CCRN (or) PCCN > Certification Renewal > Renewal by Synergy CERPs
Visit the AACN Online CE Center and search by the Synergy CERP category for programs available online (free for AACN members).

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