Your Guide to Certification

Here’s what you need to know to pursue recognition of your expertise.

SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION BOARD CREDENTIAL AND REQUIREMENTS

ADDICTIONS CARN: Must hold a current full and unrestricted RN license in the U.S., its territories, or Canada. If licensed in more CARN Certification than one jurisdiction, the candidate must hold full and unrestricted licenses in all. Must have 3 years of experience Center for Nursing Education and Testing practicing as an RN and 4,000 hours of addictions nursing practice as an RN within the preceding 5 years. Experience 601 Pavonia Ave., Suite 201 may be as a staff nurse, administrator, educator, consultant, counselor, private practitioner, or researcher. Fees: Jersey City, NJ 07306 IntNSA members, $175; nonmembers, $275. Valid for 4 years; may retake exam or document contact hours. (800) 463-0786 www.intnsa.org

CARN-AP: Must hold a current CARN certification or meet eligibility criteria. Must have a master’s or higher degree in nursing or a related field. Must have minimum of 500 hours of supervised direct client contact in advanced clinical practice in addictions, psychiatric, or mental health nursing. All 500 hours of credit may have been earned in a mas- ter’s degree program. Fees: IntNSA members, $275; nonmembers, $375. Valid for 4 years; may retake exam or docu- ment contact hours.

ACADEMIC CNE: Pathway 1: Must have a current unrestricted RN license in U.S.; a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing with a National League for Nursing major emphasis in nursing education or a post-master’s certificate in nursing education or 9 or more credit hours of 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor graduate-level education courses; and 2 years or more of full-time employment in the academic faculty role within New York, NY 10006 the past 5 years. Pathway 2: Must have a current unrestricted RN license in the U.S.; a master’s or doctoral degree (800) 669-1656 in nursing with a major emphasis in a role other than nursing education; and 4 years or more of full-time employment www.nln.org/FacultyCertification/index.htm in the academic faculty role within the past 5 years. Fees: National League for Nursing members, $325; nonmembers, $425. CNE credential is valid for 5 years; must retake the exam or document participation in professional develop- ment activities.

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATORS LCCE (formerly ACCE): Must be a graduate of a Lamaze-accredited childbirth educator program; or a currently Lamaze International licensed RN, CNM, RPT, MD; or have been awarded a bachelor’s or higher degree by a recognized institution of high- 2025 M St., NW, Suite 800 er education; or a graduate of another childbirth educator program (such as ICEA, Bradley, Best). Candidates also Washington, DC 20036 need documentation of at least 144 instructional hours within the past 5 years, and documentation of 30 contact (800) 368-4404 hours applicable to childbirth education within the past 3 years. Fees: Lamaze International members, $195; non- www.lamaze.org members, $325.

CRITICAL CARE NURSING Fees: AACN members: CCRN, $220 (valid 3 years); CCNS, $325 (valid 4 years); PCCN, $170 (valid 3 years); CMC, $135 AACN Certification Corporation (valid 3 years); CSC, $135 (valid 3 years). Nonmembers: CCRN, $325; CCNS, $450; PCCN, $250; CMC, $180; CSC, 101 Columbia $180. May retake exam or provide documentation of contact hours for recertification. Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-4109 (800) 899-2226; (949) 362-2000 [email protected] www.certcorp.org

Adult Critical-Care Nurse CCRN: Must have had active involvement in direct bedside care of critically ill adult patients. Must have a minimum of 1,750 hours of practice experience within the 2 years preceding application, with 875 hours in the year previous to application; current unrestricted RN license in the U.S.

Neonatal Critical-Care Nurse CCRN: Must have had active involvement in direct bedside care of critically ill neonatal patients. Must have a mini- mum of 1,750 hours of practice experience within the 2 years preceding application, with 875 hours in the year previ- ous to application; current unrestricted RN license in the U.S.

Pediatric Critical-Care Nurse CCRN: Must have been actively involved in direct bedside care of critically ill pediatric patients. Must have a mini- mum of 1,750 hours within the 2 years preceding application, with 875 hours in the year previous to application; cur- rent unrestricted RN license in the U.S.

Clinical Nurse Specialist in Acute and CCNS: Must hold current unrestricted RN license in the U.S.; a master’s degree in nursing with evidence of CNS the- Critical Care; Adult, Neonatal, or Pediatric ory and clinical concentration in the care of the acutely or critically ill patient; and 500 hours in direct clinical practice within the master’s program. Recertify by exam or by contact hours.

The information above was approved by each certifying organization. When we receive no response to a request for updated information, we publish the previous year’s data. If you would like us to include your certifying organization in the next annual Career Guide, please send the name of the certifying board, title of certification conferred, and requirements to The American Journal of Nursing Career Guide, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 333 Seventh Avenue, 19th floor, New York, NY 10001.

26 AJN • CAREER GUIDE 2007 Progressive Care Certified Nurse PCCN: Must have been actively involved in direct bedside care of acutely ill adult patients. Must have a minimum of 1,750 hours within 2 years preceding application, with 875 hours in the year previous to application; current unrestrict- ed RN license in the U.S.

Cardiac Medicine Certification Must have been actively involved in direct bedside care of acutely ill adult patients. Must have a minimum of 1,750 hours within 2 years preceding application, with 875 hours in the year previous to application. Of those 1,750 hours, 875 must be in the care of acutely/critically ill cardiac patients; current, unrestricted RN license in the U.S.

Cardiac Surgery Certification Must have been actively involved in direct bedside care of acutely ill adult patients. Must have a minimum of 1,750 hours within 2 years preceding application, with 875 hours in the year previous to application. Of those 1,750 hours, 875 need to be in the care of acutely/critically ill cardiac surgery patients within the first 48 hours postoperatively; current, unrestricted RN license in the U.S.

DIABETES EDUCATORS CDE: Must hold current unrestricted U.S. license or registration as an RN, RD, physician, pharmacist, podiatrist, National Certification Board for optometrist, PA, PT, OT, clinical psychologist, or be a master’s-level exercise physiologist or social worker, or be a dia- Diabetes Educators betes educator with a minimum of a master’s degree in nutrition, health education, or specified areas of public health 330 East Algonquin Rd., Suite 4 (restrictions apply––see www.ncbde.org for further information). Must be currently practicing a minimum of 4 hours Arlington Heights, IL 60005 per week in diabetes self-management training within the U.S. or its territories. Must have a minimum of 2 years [email protected] experience as a diabetes educator and a minimum of 1,000 hours of professional practice experience in diabetes self- www.ncbde.org management education within the U.S. or its territories over a period of no less than 2 years and no more than 5 years after meeting education requirements and before applying for the certification exam. Fees: $350 initial certification; $250 recertification. Valid for 5 years; may retake the exam or recertify using contact hours.

EMERGENCY NURSING CEN: Must hold current unrestricted RN license. Recommended: 2 years’ experience in practice. Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing Fee: ENA members, $220; nonmembers, $360. Valid for 4 years; recertify by retaking exam, with contact hours, or by 915 Lee St. taking Internet-based exam. Des Plaines, IL 60016 [email protected] www.ena.org/bcen

FLIGHT NURSING CFRN: Must hold current unrestricted RN license. Recommended: 2 years’ experience in flight nursing practice. It is Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing not necessary to have a BSN to take the certification exam. Fees: ENA or ASTNA members $230; nonmembers, $370. 915 Lee St. Valid 4 years; recertify by computer exam or with contact hours. Des Plaines, IL 60016 [email protected] www.ena.org/bcen

CTRN: Must hold current unrestricted RN license. Recommended: 2 years’ experience in flight nursing practice. It is not necessary to have a BSN to take the certification exam. Fees: ENA or ASTNA members $230; nonmembers, $370. Valid 4 years; recertify by computer exam or with contact hours.

GASTROENTEROLOGY CGN and CGRN: Must have worked in gastroenterology for 2 years full-time or the part-time equivalent of 4,000 Certifying Board of Gastroenterology Nurses hours within the past 5 years. Fees: SGNA members, $300; nonmembers, $385. Valid for 5 years; must retake the and Associates, Inc. exam or recertify with 100 contact hours. 401 North Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611-4267 [email protected] www.cbgna.org

GENETICS NURSING APNG: Credentialing is obtained through successful completion of a professional portfolio review process. Proof of RN Genetic Nursing Credentialing Commission, license in good standing; 300 hours of genetics practicum experience as a clinical genetics nurse with greater than Inc. (GNCC) 50% genetics practice component; completion of log of 50 cases within 5 years of the application; 4 written case stud- P.O. Box 67 ies reflecting ISONG standards of clinical genetics nursing practice; graduation from an accredited graduate program Keuka Park, NY 14478 in nursing; 50 hours of genetics content in the preceding 5 years through academic courses or continuing education; www.geneticnurse.org evidence of patient–family or client teaching absolutely required for credential; evidence of education provided to other professionals, consumers, and community groups is valuable; performance verification from employer, supervisor, in Genetics or professional colleague with whom the applicant has practiced in the past 2 years. Other achievements: abstracts, abbreviated reports, listing of publications and related materials will be recognized as evidence. Valid for 5 years. Fees: ISONG members, $400; nonmembers, $550.

AJN • CAREER GUIDE 2007 27 Genetics Clinical Nurse GCN: Credentialing is obtained through successful completion of a professional portfolio review process. Proof of RN license in good standing; 3 years’ experience (after baccalaureate completion) as a clinical genetics nurse with greater than 50% genetics practice component; log of 50 cases within 5 years of the application; 4 written case studies reflecting ISONG standards; graduation from an accredited baccalaureate program in nursing; 50 contact hours of genetics content through academic courses or continuing education within the 5 calendar years preceding the applica- tion; evidence of patient–family and/or client teaching; evidence of genetics-related in-service education; performance verification from employer, supervisor, or professional colleague with whom the applicant has practiced in the past 2 years. Other achievements: abstracts, abbreviated reports, listing of publications and related materials will be recog- nized as credentials. Fees: ISONG members, $400; nonmembers, $550.

HEALTH CARE QUALITY CPHQ: Interdisciplinary certification for RNs, medical records technologists, physicians, other clinicians, and managers. Healthcare Quality Certification Board Fees: NAHQ members, $370; nonmembers, $440. Valid for 2 years; recertify with 30 contact hours every 2 years. P.O. Box 19604 Lenexa, KS 66285-9604 [email protected] www.cphq.org

HIV/AIDS NURSING ACRN: Must hold current RN license in the U.S., or the international equivalent, and have 2 years of experience in HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board clinical practice, education, management, or research in HIV/AIDS nursing. Fees: ANAC members, $260; nonmembers, 3538 Ridgewood Road $400. Valid for 4 years; recertify by retaking the exam or acquiring 70 contact hours. Akron, OH 44333 www.anacnet.org/certification/hancb/index. html AIDS Certified

Advanced AIDS Certified Registered Nurse AACRN: Must hold current RN license in the U.S., or the international equivalent, have a master’s or higher degree in nursing, have at least 3 years experience as a RN, and 2,000 hours of HIV/AIDS nursing in the 5 years prior to applica- tion. Fees: ANAC members, $325; nonmembers, $425. Valid for 4 years; recertify by retaking the exam or with qualify- ing contact hours.

HOLISTIC NURSING HN-BC: Must hold current, unrestricted U.S. RN license and a bachelor’s degree (not required to be in nursing). Mini- American Holistic Nurses’ Certification Corp. mum of 1 year full-time practice as a holistic nurse, or part-time minimum of 2,000 hours within last 5 years. Minimum of 811 Linden Loop 48 contact hours in the area of . Must meet criteria for qualitative assessment and pass the national Cedar Park, TX 78613 exam. (877) 284-0998 [email protected] [email protected] www.ahncc.org

AHN-BC: Must hold current, unrestricted U.S. RN license and a graduate degree in nursing. Minimum of 300 hours practice as an advanced holistic nurse within the last 5 years. Minimum of 48 contact hours in the area of holistic nursing. Must meet criteria for qualitative assessment and pass the national exam. Fees: HN-BC: application, for both AHNA members and nonmembers, $25. Qualitative assessment, members, $150; nonmembers, $175. Examination fee, members, $275; nonmembers, $300. Recertification, members, $250, nonmembers, $275. AHN-BC: application, mem- bers, $25; nonmembers, $50. Qualitative assessment, members $150; nonmembers, $175. Examination fee, members, $300; nonmembers, $325. Recertification, members, $300; nonmembers, $325. Valid 5 years; recertification with 100 contact hours, of which 20 must be directly focused on holistic nursing theories, theorists, concepts, mind-body-spirit orientation. The remaining 80 hours can be related to holistic modalities, methods of practice, and studies that facili- tate self-care, growth, and transformation within a holistic context. Contact the organization for additional information

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE NURSING ACHPN: Must hold a current active RN license in the U.S. or the equivalent in Canada. Must be a CNS or NP. Must National Board for Certification of Hospice have graduated from a nursing program offered by an accredited institution granting graduate level academic credit and Palliative Nurses for all course work and that includes both didactic and clinical components. Must hold one of the following degrees: Penn Center West One, Suite 229 (a) a master’s or higher degree in nursing from an Advanced Practice Palliative Care accredited education program pro- Pittsburgh, PA 15276 viding both a didactic component and a minimum of 500 hours of supervised clinical practice specifically in palliative [email protected] care; (b) a post-master’s certificate with a minimum of 500 hours of supervised clinical practice specifically in pallia- www.hpna.org tive care; or (c) a master’s or post-master’s or higher degree in nursing from an advanced practice program (APRN) as a CNS or NP with 500 hours of post-master’s practice in providing palliative care (direct or indirect) in the year prior to applying to take the examination. Transcripts and practice verification forms are required as part of the application process. Fees: HPNA members, $295; nonmembers, $395.

28 AJN • CAREER GUIDE 2007 CHPN: Must hold current RN license in the U.S., or the equivalent in Canada; at least 2 years of experience in hos- pice and palliative nursing practice recommended. Fees: HPNA members, $245; nonmembers, $345. Renewal: mem- bers, $210; nonmembers, $310.

CHPLN: Must hold current license as a practical/vocational nurse in the U.S.; at least 2 years of experience in hos- pice and palliative LPN or LVN practice recommended. Fees: HPNA members, $170; nonmembers, $245.

CHPNA: Must complete documentation to prove attainment of 2,000 hours practiced under the supervision of an RN in the preceding 2 years. Fees: HPNA members, $95; nonmembers, $145. Renewal: HPNA members, $70; nonmembers, $120.

INFECTION CONTROL CIC: Must hold current license or registration as an RN, medical technologist, or physician. Must have a minimum of a Certification Board of Infection Control bachelor’s degree in a -related field. Waiver process is available to candidates who do not meet education and Epidemiology, Inc. requirements. Must have practiced infection control for a minimum of 2 years. Fees: $295. Valid for 5 years; may P.O. Box 19554 retake exam ($260) or the Self-Assessment Recertification Examination (SARE) ($325). Lenexa, KS 66285 [email protected] www.cbic.org

INFUSION NURSING CRNI: Must have a minimum of 1,600 hours of experience as an RN in infusion therapy within the 2 years preceding Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation the date of application, a current RN license in the U.S. or Canada, and must complete the CRNI examination registra- 220 Norwood Park S. tion form. Fees: INS members, $285; nonmembers, $410. Recertify every 3 years by exam or with contact hours. Norwood, MA 02062 [email protected] www.ins1.org

LACTATION CONSULTANT IBCLC: Must have 45 hours of education specific to breast-feeding within the 3 years preceding the exam. Those International Board of Lactation Consultant holding a bachelor’s or higher degree must have 2,500 practice hours; those with 60 academic credits (associate Examiners degree or RN diploma) must have 4,000 hours of practice. Alternative pathways are available. Fees: $395. Valid for 5 7309 Arlington Blvd., Suite 300 years; recertify by exam or with contact hours; after 10 years, by exam only. Falls Church, VA 22042-3215 [email protected] www.iblce.org

LEGAL NURSE CONSULTING LNCC: Must hold full and unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or its territories; have practiced 5 years as an RN; have American evidence of 2,000 hours of legal nurse consulting experience within the 3 years prior to the application. Fees: AALNC Certification Board* members, $275; nonmembers, $375. Valid for 5 years; renew by exam or with contact hours. 401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2200 Chicago, IL 60611-4267 [email protected] www.lnccertified.org

MANAGED CARE NURSING CMCN: Must hold current RN or LPN license in the U.S., its territories, or protectorates. Must have 1 year of full-time American Board of Managed Care Nursing employment as an RN or LPN in areas of managed care, or 2 years as an RN or LPN providing direct or indirect care in 4435 Waterfront Dr., Suite 101 an acute care, outpatient, skilled nursing, or mental health facility or other health care organization, or as an educator Glen Allen, VA 23060 or consultant; or 1 year of acceptable case management employment experience. Fees: $295 (does not include [email protected] preparatory course, members, $295; nonmembers, $395). Recertify ($55) every 3 years, requires 25 contact hours, veri- www.abmcn.org fication of current RN or LPN license.

MEDICAL– CMSRN: Must hold current full and unrestricted license as an RN in the U.S. or its territories or hold a current, full, and Medical–Surgical Nursing Certification Board unrestricted license as a first-level nurse in the country in which one’s nursing education was completed, and meet the MSNCB National Office eligibility for licensure as an RN in the United States in accordance with the requirements of the Commission on Gradu- East Holly Ave., P.O. Box 56 ates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). Must have practiced two calendar years as an RN in an adult medical– Pitman, NJ 08071-0056 surgical clinical setting. Must have accrued a minimum of 3,000 hours within the past 3 years of practice in an adult [email protected] medical–surgical clinical setting as a staff nurse, clinical nurse specialist, clinical educator, faculty member, manager, www.medsurgnurse.org or supervisor. Fees: AMSN members, $225; nonmembers, $325. Valid for 5 years; recertify by retaking exam or with 90 contact hours.

*Has met the standards of the American Specialties, a national peer review program.

AJN • CAREER GUIDE 2007 29 NEPHROLOGY NURSING CHN, CPDN, CHT, and HDT: Must have current U.S. RN license; technologists must have high school diploma or the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing equivalent; both must have 12 months’ experience in providing care to patients with end-stage renal disease. One year and Technology (BONENT) of nephrology nursing experience and a high school diploma or the equivalent. Fees: exam, $195; annual fee, $55. 1901 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Recertify every 4 years, must submit documentation of 45 contact hours (30 nephrology-related) every 4 years or retake Suite 607 exam. Washington, DC 20006 Phone: (202) 462-1252 Fax: (202) 463-1257 [email protected] www.bonent.org

NEPHROLOGY NURSING CNN: Must hold a full, unrestricted RN license in the U.S., or its territories, and a BSN. In the 3 years preceding the CERTIFICATION COMMISSION application must have had a minimum of 2 years’ nephrology nursing experience as an RN in general staff, administra- East Holly Ave., P.O. Box 56 tive, teaching, or research (at least 50% of employment hours in nephrology nursing), and have completed 30 contact Pitman, NJ 08071-0056 hours in nephrology nursing. Fees: ANNA members, $200; nonmembers, $250. Valid for 3 years; recertify by accruing [email protected] 60 contact hours or retaking the exam. www.nncc-exam.org

CDN: Must hold current, full, and unrestricted RN license in the U.S, or its territories; have completed a minimum of 2,000 hours as an RN in nephrology nursing during the preceding 2 years; have completed 15 approved contact hours in nephrology nursing within the 2 years prior to submission of application. Fees: ANNA members, $200; nonmembers, $250 (includes $50 nonrefundable application processing fee). Valid for 3 years; recertify by exam or with contact hours.

CCHT: Must hold the minimum of a high school diploma or GED; have successfully completed a training program for hemodialysis patient care technicians that included classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience; obtain the signature of a preceptor or supervisor to verify training and clinical experience (minimum of 6 months’ or 1,000 hours’ clinical experience recommended before taking the exam); and be in compliance with state regulations. Fees: exam, $125 (includes $25 nonrefundable application processing fee). Valid for 2 years; recertify by exam or with contact hours.

NEUROSCIENCE NURSING CNRN: Must have 2 years of experience in neuroscience nursing. Must be engaged in clinical practice or as a consul- American Board of Neuroscience Nursing tant, researcher, administrator, or educator in neuroscience nursing. Fees: AANN members, $215; nonmembers, $300. 4700 W. Lake Ave. Valid for 5 years; recertify with contact hours or by retaking the exam. Glenview, IL 60025 [email protected] www.aann.org

NURSE ADMINISTRATION— CDONA/LTC: Must have been a director of nursing (DON) or an assistant DON in administration in a long-term care LONG-TERM CARE setting for at least 12 months in the preceding 5 years. Former DONs and assistant DONs are eligible to take the NADONA/LTC Certification Registrar exam. Fees: NADONA/LTC members, $150; nonmembers, $225 (online registration fee of $195 for both at 10101 Alliance Dr. #140 www.nadona.org). Valid for 5 years; recertify with a $60 fee and validation of 75 contact hours every 5 years. Cincinnati, OH 45242 [email protected] www.nadona.org

NURSE ANESTHETIST CRNA: Must be a graduate of a nurse educational program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Council on Recertification of Nurse Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs and have a current unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or its territories. Appli- Anesthetists* cant must document that RN license is not currently, and has not been previously, subject to investigation or legal 222 South Prospect Ave. action, and that there are no mental, physical, or other problems that could interfere with the practice of anesthesia. Park Ridge, IL 60068-5790 Fees: $30 for recertification. Recertify every 2 years; document 40 approved contact hours; document substantial [email protected] engagement in nurse anesthesia practice; have current unrestricted RN licensure; certify that RN license is not current- www.aana.com/council/default.asp ly, and has not been previously, subject to investigation or legal action.

NURSE MIDWIFERY AND MIDWIFERY CNM and CM: Must be a licensed RN in the U.S. or its territories and have completed a nurse-midwifery program American College of Nurse–Midwives accredited (or preaccredited) by the Division of Accreditation of the American College of Nurse–Midwives (with the sig- Certification Council nature of the director of the program on the test application). Candidates expecting to complete course work between 8201 Corporate Dr., Suite 550 the application deadline and exam date may apply for exam (confirmation of completed course work must be submitted Landover, MD 20785 to the ACC at least 3 days prior to the exam date). www.accmidwife.org After initial certification as a CNM/CM, a Certificate Maintenance Program (CMP) application (mailed in January) must be returned prior to the deadline to avoid a late fee. Beginning the second year of the CMP, CNMs/CMs must send the annu- al CMP Activity Report form. Notify the ACC directly of any address, telephone number, and name changes. Fees: first year of certification, no fee. The CMP late fee, $50. Annual activity fee for the CMP, $90; 8-year fee the first year: $567.

*Has met the standards of the American Board of Nursing Specialties, a national peer review program.

30 AJN • CAREER GUIDE 2007 NURSES IN NUTRITION SUPPORT CNSN: Must hold current RN license in the U.S. or its equivalent in other countries. Candidates must have a bachelor’s National Board of Nutrition Support or higher degree and should have at least 2 years of experience in specialized nutrition support. Fees: ASPEN mem- Certification bers, $260; nonmembers, $310. Valid for 5 years; recertify by retaking the exam. American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 8630 Fenton St., Suite 412 Silver Spring, MD 20910-3805 [email protected] or [email protected] www.nutritioncertify.org

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSING COHN* and COHN-S*: Must have 50 contact hours in occupational health, or in courses related to occupational American Board for Occupational Health health, taken within the preceding 5 years; have 4,000 hours of experience in occupational health nursing in the pre- Nurses, Inc. ceding 5 years; have a valid nursing license; be employed a minimum of 8 hours a week in occupational health nurs- 201 East Ogden, Suite 114 ing. Individual consideration is given to occupational health nurses who meet the experience criteria but are currently Hinsdale, IL 60521-3652 enrolled full-time in a graduate program in occupational health nursing or in a related field. For COHN-S, a BS or high- [email protected] er degree is required. Fees: application, $100; exam, $300; recertification, $250. Valid for 5 years; recertify with 75 www.abohn.org contact hours in occupational health and 4,000 hours of work experience, or 100 contact hours and 3,000 hours of work experience.

Occupational Health Nurse Case Manager COHN/CM* and COHN-S/CM*: Must currently be a COHN or COHN-S, have a current nursing license, and have earned 10 contact hours in case management within the past 5 years. In addition, Canadian applicants holding the COHN(c) credential must show proof of certification through the Canadian Nurses Association. Fees: application, $50; exam, $150; recertification, $100. Valid for 5 years; recertify with 10 contact hours in occupational health, case man- agement, and continued base certification.

Occupational Health Safety Manager COHN/SM and COHN-S/CM: Must be a COHN or COHN-S, have at least 25% safety activities in current position; have earned 50 contact hours in safety-related continuing education within the preceding 5 years; 1,000 hours of safety- related work experience in the preceding 5 years.

ONCOLOGY NURSING OCN: Must have a minimum of 12 months of experience as an RN within the last 3 years, 1,000 hours of oncology Certification Corporation* nursing practice within the last 30 months, and a current, active, and unrestricted RN license. Fees: ONS/APON mem- 125 Enterprise Dr. bers, $260; nonmembers, $380. Valid for 4 years; may renew by ONC-PRO or retest. Recertification by ONC-PRO: ONS Pittsburgh, PA 15275-1214 members, $210; nonmembers, $330. Retest: ONS/APON members, $260; nonmembers, $380. [email protected] www.oncc.org

AOCN: Must have current AOCN certification in good standing, a minimum of 1,000 hours of oncology nursing practice within the past 4 years, and a current, active, and unrestricted RN license. Fees: test no longer administered, but AOCN may recertify; may renew by ONC-PRO. ONS/APON members, $210; nonmembers, $330.

AOCNP: Must have master’s or higher degree in nursing, completed a program, minimum of 500 hours of supervised practice as oncology nurse practitioner, and current, active, and unrestricted RN license. Fees: ONS/APON members, $260; nonmembers, $380. Valid for 4 years; may renew by ONC-PRO or retest. At this time, recertification fees are not necessary as these credentials are not due for renewal until 2009.

AOCNS: Must have a master’s or higher degree in nursing, minimum of 500 hours supervised practice in advanced practice role in oncology nursing, and current, active, and unrestricted RN license. Fees: ONS/APON members, $260; nonmembers, $380. Valid for 4 years; may renew by ONC-PRO or retest. At this time, recertification fees are not nec- essary as these credentials are not due for renewal until 2009.

OPHTHALMIC NURSING CRNO: Must be an RN with at least 2 years of full-time (4,000 hours) experience in ophthalmic nursing practice. Fees: National Certifying Board for Ophthalmic ASORN members, $275; nonmembers, $375. Valid for 5 years; must retake exam or document 75 contact hours. Registered Nurses P.O. Box 193030 San Francisco, CA 94119 [email protected] www.asorn.org

ORTHOPAEDIC NURSING ONC: Must hold current unrestricted RN license with 2 years of experience and 1,000 hours of work experience in Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board practice within the past 3 years. Fees: NAON members, $220; nonmembers, $320. Valid for 5 P.O. Box 87 years; may retake exam or document 100 contact hours. Columbia, SC 29202 [email protected] www.oncb.org

*Has met the standards of the American Board of Nursing Specialties, a national peer review program.

AJN • CAREER GUIDE 2007 31 OCNS-C and ONP-C: Must hold current unrestricted RN license, with at least 3 years of practice as an RN. Must have a master’s degree in nursing and/or be eligible for licensure as a nurse practitioner in the state of employment. Required for exam: 1,500 practice hours as an APN for candidates who hold the ONC credential or 2,500 practice hours as an APM for non-ONC exam candidates. Fees: NOAN members, $275; nonmembers $375. Valid for 5 years; may retake exam or document 125 contact hours.

OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY AND CORLN: Must hold a current RN license in the U.S. or the equivalent in other countries (proof of licensure required). HEAD–NECK NURSES At least 3 years’ experience in otorhinolaryngology and/or head–neck nursing practice is recommended. Fees: SOHN The National Certifying Board of members, $275; nonmembers, $375. Valid for 5 years; must retake the exam or recertify with 100 contact hours. Otorhinolaryngology and Head–Neck Nurses 116 Canal St., Suite A New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 [email protected] www.sohnnurse.com

PAIN MANAGEMENT FAAPM: Interdisciplinary with three levels of credentialing: the diplomate certificate is awarded to those who have American Academy of Pain Management earned a doctoral degree in a related health care field and have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working with 13947 Mono Way #A patients in pain; the fellow certificate is awarded to those who have earned a master’s degree in a related health care Sonora, CA 95370 field and have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working with patients in pain; the clinical associate certificate is [email protected] awarded to those who have earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a related health care field and have a min- www.aapainmanage.org imum of 2 years’ experience working with patients in pain. All applicants must submit 3 professional letters of refer- ence, official academic transcripts, curriculum vitae, proof of licensure, the application, and fees. The credentialing exam also must be passed. Fees: general membership, $195; credentialing application, $250; exam, $250; annual membership renewal, $195. Credentialing valid for 4 years; recertify by documenting 100 contact hours and submitting a copy of current license renewal and the $100 fee.

PEDIATRIC NURSING CPN: Must provide documentation of current RN licensure in U.S. and completion of basic RN education (diploma; Certification Board (PNCB) associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree). Must document 2 years of full-time or equivalent experience (3,600 hours, 800 S. Frederick Ave., Suite 204 minimum) as an RN in a pediatric nursing specialty in a U.S. facility within the past 4 years, including direct patient Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4151 care, teaching, administration, clinical research, or consultation in pediatric nursing. Fees: $280. Certification is [email protected] renewed annually by documentation of 10 contact hours, 5 contact hours/200 hours’ clinical practice, or 1 academic www.pncb.org credit in pediatric nursing. Exams are computer-based, given year-round. On-site testing is offered at selected hospi- tals and conferences (paper-and-pencil exam)––check the PNCB Web site for locations. General Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner CPNP–Primary Care: Must be a graduate of a primary care PNP, post-master’s, or doctoral program recognized by the PNCB, and submit documentation of appropriate PNP program completion and official graduate transcript(s). Special exam pathways and certification by endorsement also may be available to qualified candidates. Fees: $385. All exams are computer-administered and given year-round through Prometric Technology Testing Centers. Annual recertification is required through a variety of options including completion of primary care, pediatric pharmacology, or acute care PNP self- assessment exercises, completion of 10 related contact hours, or completion of 5 such hours in combination with 200 hours of documented clinical practice.

CPNP–Acute Care: Must be a graduate of an acute care PNP, post-master’s, or doctoral program recognized by the PNCB, and submit documentation of appropriate PNP program completion and official graduate transcript(s). For a lim- ited time, exam eligibility may be extended to qualified primary care certified PNPs who function as ACPNPs. Addi- tional information available at www.pncb.org. Fees: $385. All exams are computer-administered and given year-round. Annual recertification is required through a variety of options including completion of primary care, pedi- atric pharmacology, or acute care PNP self-assessment exercises, completion of 10 related contact hours, or comple- tion of 5 such hours in combination with 200 hours of documented clinical practice.

PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY CPON*: Must have a minimum of 12 months’ experience as an RN within the last 3 years, 1,000 hours of pediatric Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation oncology nursing practice within the past 30 months, completed a minimum of 10 contact hours of continuing educa- 125 Enterprise Dr. tion in oncology nursing or an academic elective in oncology, and a current, active, and unrestricted RN license. Fees: Pittsburgh, PA 15275-1214 ONS or APON members, $260; nonmembers, $380. Valid for 4 years; recertification by ONC-PRO or retesting. ONC-PRO: [email protected] ONS/APON members, $210; nonmembers, $330. Recertification test: ONS/APON members, $260; nonmembers, $380. www.oncc.org

PERIANESTHESIA NURSING CPAN and CAPA: Candidates applying for CPAN or CAPA certification must hold a current unrestricted RN license American Board of and have a minimum of 1,800 hours of direct perianesthesia practice experience as an RN during the 2 consecutive Certification, Inc. (ABPANC) years prior to application. Nurses working as direct caregiver, manager, teacher, or researcher in perianesthesia are 475 Riverside Dr., 6th Floor eligible for certification. Candidates may contact ABPANC’s national office to determine which certification exam is New York, NY 10115-0089 appropriate for them. Fees: ASPAN members, $235; nonmembers, $335. Valid for 3 years; recertification with contact [email protected] hours (member, $165; nonmember, $280) or by exam (fees same as those for first exam). www.cpancapa.org

*Has met the standards of the American Board of Nursing Specialties, a national peer review program.

32 AJN • CAREER GUIDE 2007 CNOR: Must have a minimum of 2 full years and 2,400 hours of operating room practice as an RN; have been employed Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) within the preceding 2 years either full-time or part-time as an RN in an administrative, teaching, research, or general 2170 South Parker Rd., Suite 295 staff capacity in perioperative nursing. Fees: AORN members, $250; nonmembers, $350. Valid for 5 years; may retake Denver, CO 80231-5710 the exam or document 125 approved contact hours. www.cc-institute.org

RN First Assistant CRNFA: Must be certified as a CNOR; must document 2,000 hours of practice in the RN first assistant role, with at least 500 hours in the past 2 years; must have attended a formal RNFA program; must hold a bachelor’s in nursing. Fees: AORN members, $425; nonmembers, $550. Valid for 5 years; retest or submit documentation of contact hours to recertify.

PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE CPSN: Must have a minimum of 2 years of experience in plastic surgical nursing as an RN in a general staff, adminis- SURGICAL NURSING trative, teaching, or research capacity within the 5 years preceding the application, and have spent at least 50% of Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board practice hours in plastic surgical nursing during 2 of the preceding 5 years. Fees: ASPSN members, $195; nonmem- 7794 Grow Drive bers, $295. Valid for 3 years; recertification: members, $135; nonmembers, $185. May retake the exam or obtain 45 Pensacola, FL 32514 contact hours with a minimum of 30 hours in plastic surgical nursing. [email protected] www.aspsn.org

REHABILIATION NURSING CRRN: Must have current, unrestricted RN license and a minimum of 2 years of practice as an RN in rehabilitation Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board* nursing in the preceding 5 years. Fees: ARN members, $235; nonmembers, $325. Valid for 5 years; may retake the 4700 W. Lake Ave. exam or recertify with 60 points of credit with a combination of contact hours, presentations, professional publica- Glenview, IL 60025-1485 tions, formal course work, submission of test items, and/or community service activities. [email protected] www.rehabnurse.org

SCHOOL NURSING NCSN: Must be currently licensed as an RN (with a 4-year degree) in the U.S., or the equivalent in other countries; National Board for Certification of School hold a bachelor’s or higher degree conferred in the U.S., or the equivalent in other countries, or hold current certifica- Nurses, Inc. tion by NBCSN as an NCSN; three years of experience as a school nurse is recommended; must be currently employed c/o National Association of School Nurses in school health services or school-related services; must complete and file the Application for the Certification Exami- 1416 Park St., Suite A nation for School Nurses. Fees: NASN members, $200; nonmembers, $275. Castle Rock, CO 80109 www.nbcsn.com

SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINER–– SANE-A: Must hold current unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or its territories or a license as a first-level general ADULT/ADOLESCENT nurse in the country/jurisdiction of current practice with a minimum of 2 years of practice in the country providing the Certification Board license. Must have completed an adult/adolescent Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) education program that East Holly Ave., Box 56 includes a minimum of 40 contact hours of classroom instruction or 3 semester hours of academic credit in an accred- Pitman, NJ 08071-0056 ited school of nursing. Must have had supervised clinical practice until determined competent in SANE practice, which [email protected] must be validated by an appropriate clinical authority as outlined in the adult section of the IAFN’s SANE education www.forensicnurse.org guidelines (1998). Fees: IAFN members, $225; nonmembers, $350. Valid 3 years; recertify by retaking the exam or completing 45 contact hours.

UROLOGY NURSING CURN, CUA, CUNP, CUCNS, and CUPA: RN, LPN, LVN, PA: current licensure and 1 year of experience in urology Certification Board for Urologic Nurses and nursing practice. Other associates: 3 years’ in-service training under the supervision of a practicing urologist. Associates (CBUNA) Advanced practice: same as RN, but with current recognition by state board of nursing as nurse practitioner and/or East Holly Ave., Box 56 clinical nurse specialist, and a master’s degree in nursing. Certification for physician assistants also is offered, the Pitman, NJ 08071-0056 requirements for which are current licensure as a physician assistant (PA) and 1 year of experience in the field of urol- [email protected] ogy. (PA fees are the same as those for advanced practice.) Fees: SUNA members, $195; nonmembers, $255; www.suna.org advanced practice members, $225; nonmembers, $285. Valid for 3 years; may retest or provide proof of 50 contact hours earned within the last 3 years, with a minimum of 36 in urology nursing practice. To renew through continuing education: members, $125; nonmembers, $185.

WOMEN’S HEALTH/PRIMARY CARE In all categories, practice/experience/employment is defined as direct patient care, education, administration, and/or . The written exam is given once a year; a computer-based exam is available year-round. Valid for 3 years. National Certification Corporation for the Certification Maintenance Program requires 45 approved contact hours or reexamination for RNC, and 15 approved Obstetric, Gynecological, and Neonatal contact hours or reexamination for subspecialty. Nursing Specialties P.O. Box 11082 Chicago, IL 60611-0082 www.nccnet.org

*Has*Has met the standards of the American Board of Nursing Specialties, a national peer review program.

AJN • CAREER GUIDE 2007 33 Breastfeeding BF: Must pass subspecialty exam; hold RN license in the U.S. or Canada; be employed in a practice setting where breastfeeding competencies are expected. Written validation of current employer is required. Pathway 1: Must be certified by NCC, ACNM, or ANCC. Pathway 2: Must have 24 months of practice in the specialty. Fees: written exam: NCC-certified RNCs, $100; all others, $135; computer-based exam: NCC-certified RNCs, $150; all others, $185.

Electronic Fetal Monitoring EFM: Must pass subspecialty exam and be a licensed RN, MD, , or physician assistant in the U.S. or Canada. Fees: written exam: NCC-certified RNCs, $100; all others, $135; computer-based exam: NCC-certified RNCs, $150; all others, $185.

Inpatient Obstetric Nurse RNC and INPT: For the following specialties: must hold RN license in the U.S. or Canada and have 24 months of experience in the specialty, including a minimum of 2,000 hours as an RN. Employment in the field of the exam spe- cialty within the preceding 24 months is required. Fees: written exam, $250; computer-based exam, $300.

Low-Risk Neonatal Nurse RNC and LRN: Fees: written exam, $250; computer-based exam, $300.

Maternal Newborn Nurse RNC and MN: Fees: written exam, $250; computer-based exam, $300.

Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse RNC and NIC: Fees: written exam, $250; computer-based exam, $300.

Menopause Clinician MC: Must pass subspecialty exam and be licensed as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, physician, physician assis- tant, or naturopathic doctor. Current employment required. Fees: written exam: NCC-certified RNCs, $100; all others, $135; computer-based exam: NCC-certified RNCs, $150; all others, $185.

Menopause Educator RNC and ME: Must pass subspecialty exam and be licensed as an RN, LPN or LVN, pharmacist, psychologist, social worker, nutritionist, or naturopath. Current employment required. Fees: written exam: NCC-certified RNCs, $100; all others, $135; computer-based exam: NCC-certified RNCs, $150; all others, $185.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner RNC: Must hold an RN license in the U.S. or Canada; must be a graduate of a master’s or post-master’s degree neona- tal nurse practitioner program at least 1 academic year in length and acceptable to NCC, the neonatal content of which must include 200 didactic hours and 600 clinical hours. Fees: written exam, $250; computer-based exam, $300.

Gynecology/Reproductive Health Care GR: Must hold an RN license in the U.S. or Canada; must be certified by the ANCC, AANP, AAC, or for the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner NCBPNP. Current employment required. Fees: written exam: NCC-certified RNCs, $100; all others, $135; computer- and Nurse Midwife based exam: NCC-certified RNCs, $150; all others, $185.

Telephone Nursing Practice RNC and TNP: Must hold a current RN license in the U.S. or Canada; have documentation of 2 years (minimum of 2,000 hours) of experience as a U.S. or Canadian RN in telephone nursing practice; have been employed within the last 24 months in a telephone nursing practice (with employment defined as direct clinical practice, education, admin- istration, or research); all required practice experience must have been acquired while the applicant was a U.S. or Canadian RN. Fees: written exam, $250; computer-based exam, $300.

Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner RNC: Must hold an RN license in the U.S. or Canada; have graduated from a women’s health care nurse practitioner program at least 1 academic year in length and acceptable to NCC, the women’s health content of which must include 200 didactic hours and 600 clinical hours. Beginning January 1, 2007, a graduate degree will be required. Fees: written exam, $250; computer-based exam, $300.

34 AJN • CAREER GUIDE 2007 AMERICAN NURSES CREDENTIALING Fees: written exam (given twice a year): ANA members, $180; discount (members of ANCC collaborating organiza- CENTER tions pertinent to the exam), $250; nonmembers, $320. Computer-based exam: ANA members, $230; discount, as 8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400 above, $300; nonmembers, $370. Modular exam with core: ANA members, $130; discount, as above, $180; nonmem- Silver Spring, MD 20910 bers, $280. Note: All graduates of foreign institutions must have transcripts evaluated to determine eligibil- www.nursecredentialing.org ity. The ANCC no longer offers home health nurse, college nurse, community/public health nurse, CNS in home health, and CNS in Community/Public Health certification examinations. Certification renewal for those specialties is available through a combination of professional development and contact hours; the option of certification renewal through a combination of professional development and exam is no longer available.

ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE All nurse practitioner candidates must meet all of the following basic eligibility requirements: an active professional PRACTITIONERS license in the U.S. or its territories; a master’s or higher degree in nursing or another related field of study; preparation in the specialty area of practice appropriate to the application for certification through a master’s program or formal postgraduate master’s program; graduation from a program offered by an accredited institution granting graduate-level academic credit for all course work, which includes both didactic and clinical components; and a minimum of 500 hours of supervised clinical practice in the specialty area and role. The ANCC reviews nurse practitioner programs for core content in advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, health promotion and disease preven- tion, and differential diagnosis and disease management.

APRN and BC: Credential is offered with the above basic eligibility requirements for the Acute Care Nurse Practition- er,* Adult Nurse Practitioner,* Family Nurse Practitioner,* Gerontological Nurse Practitioner,* and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.*

Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse There are two types of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Practitioner (pending ABNS approval) 1) Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 2) Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

APRN and BC: In addition to meeting the above requirements, the candidate must have graduated from an accredit- ed master’s or post-master’s degree program (as either an adult or family psychiatric and mental health nurse practi- tioner or an advanced practice psychiatric and mental health nurse) that includes: advanced health assessment (including both physical and mental health; pediatric and adolescent physical and mental health assessment is required for the PMHNP-Family Exam); pathophysiology (or neurophysiology/biophysiology); pharmacology or psy- chopharmacology; diagnosis and medication management of psychiatric illness (clinical practicum); and also super- vised clinical training at the graduate or postgraduate level in two psychotherapeutic treatment modalities.

CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALISTS Must hold an active professional license in the U.S. or its territories; hold a master’s or higher degree in nursing (see specific eligibility criteria for clinical nurse specialists in community health); have formal preparation in the specific area of practice for application for the certification through a master’s program or a formal postgraduate mas- ter’s program; have graduated from a program offered by an accredited institution granting graduate-level academic credit for all course work, which includes both didactic and clinical components, and a minimum of 500 hours of super- vised clinical practice in the specialty area and role. The APRN, BC credential is offered with the above basic eligibil- ity requirements for the Clinical Nurse Specialist in ,* Clinical Nurse Specialist in ,* and Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health Nursing (formerly in Medical–Surgical Nursing*).

Clinical Nurse Specialist in Pediatric Nursing APRN and BC: In addition to the basic eligibility requirements, must have graduated from a program that provides (pending ABNS approval) course work addressing children’s unique physiologic, psychological, and developmental needs from birth through the age of 21. If graduated 3 or more years prior to the application, candidates must have worked 2,000 hours in a pedi- atric clinical position in the immediately preceding 3 years. Verification of current clinical practice must be submitted with the application.

*Has met the standards of the American Board of Nursing Specialties, a national peer review program.

AJN • CAREER GUIDE 2007 35 Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Psychiatric APRN and BC: In addition to basic eligibility requirements, the following are required: If the master’s degree is not and Mental Health Nursing* in psychiatric and mental health nursing, the candidate must hold a master’s or higher degree in nursing and have a minimum of 18 graduate or postgraduate academic credits in psychiatric and mental health theory––a minimum of 9 of those credits must contain didactic and clinical experience specific to psychiatric and mental health (core courses in nursing theory or nursing research, and the applicant’s thesis will not be accepted as part of the 9- credit requirement). A maximum of 9 credits may be for courses containing didactic and clinical experiences specific to psychiatric and mental health theory (e.g., courses in counseling and psychology), and supervised clinical training at the graduate or postgraduate level in 2 psychotherapeutic treatment modalities is required.

Clinical Nurse Specialist in Child and APRN, BC: Same as above with educational focus on Child and Adolescent Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. Adolescent Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing*

ADVANCED DIABETES MANAGEMENT Must hold an active professional license in the U.S. or its territories (e.g., RD, registration by the Commission on Dietetic Registration; RPh, licensed pharmacist; RN, licensed registered nurse) and either a master’s or higher degree in one or more of the following areas of study: RN, master’s or higher degree in nursing or minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a master’s or higher degree in a clinically relevant area of study; RD, master’s or higher degree in clinically relevant area of study (for example, nutrition, public health, education, sports nutrition, counseling, geron- tology); or RPh, master’s or higher degree in pharmacy or current practice in a state recognizing collaborative diabetes clinical practice. Note: State board requirements differ from state to state. If a state requires a specific type of advanced degree for advanced practice status and prescriptive privileges, this certification does not supersede the state statute. All candidates for the advanced diabetes management exams must have a minimum of 500 hours in advanced clinical diabetes within the 48 months preceding application for the certification. For RNs, this clinical expe- rience must be at the master’s or post-master’s degree level. However, if the master’s degree clinical rotation is in advanced diabetes management, then the hours may count toward the 500 clinical hour requirement and application for the exam may be made after graduation. Verification of practice hours must accompany the application.

The APRN, BC-ADM credential is offered with the above basic eligibility requirements for the Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Registered Dietician, and Registered Pharmacist.

INFORMATICS NURSING Eligibility Requirements 1) Specialty Nursing Basic Eligibility Requirements 2) A bachelor’s or higher degree in nursing or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Relevant areas include: science (biology, anatomy, physiology, and so on), professional disciplines (engineering, computer science, psychology, phys- ical therapy, and so on), or academic liberal arts (mathematics, English, philosophy, history, and so on). 3) 30 contact hours applicable to the specialty area within the preceding 3 years. Author/presenter credits are allow- able but can account for no more than half of the contact hour requirement. 4) One of the following practice hour requirements: • A minimum of 2,000 hours in the field of informatics nursing within the preceding 3 years; or • Completion of at least 12 semester hours of academic credit in informatics courses in a graduate program in informatics nursing (e.g., computer programming, information science, systems analysis and design, management of information systems) and a minimum of 1,000 hours practiced in informatics nursing within the preceding 3 years; or • Completion of a graduate program in nursing informatics that includes at least 200 hours of clinical practicum. (Candidates who meet this requirement may disregard item #3 pertaining to the 30 contact hours of continuing education). These requirements pertain to the RN, BC credential for the Informatics Nurse—bachelor’s degree in nursing* and to the RN,C credential for the Informatics Nurse—bachelor’s degree in another relevant field.*

*Has met the standards of the American Board of Nursing Specialties, a national peer review program.

36 AJN • CAREER GUIDE 2007 NURSING ADMINISTRATION RN, CNA, and BC: Eligibility Requirements Nursing Administration* 1) Specialty Nursing Basic Eligibility Requirements. 2) A bachelor’s or higher degree in nursing. 3) An administrative position at the level of nurse manager or nurse executive for a minimum of 24 months of full- time practice within the preceding 5 years. The position must have included at least 7 of the following activi- ties: • Participating in the administration of a health care organization • Participating in strategic and long-range planning of a health care organization • Determining clinical and administrative nursing goals and directions • Determining functions and activities to achieve clinical and administrative nursing goals and direction • Being responsible for the allocation of human, material, and financial resources for specific functions and activities • Evaluating and revising the goals, structure, activities, and resources of organized nursing services • Providing leadership in problem-solving • Providing leadership in human resource development and management • Ensuring the ongoing evaluation of services provided by organized nursing services and the organization as a whole • Facilitating research in nursing, health, and management strategies • Serving as a professional role model to motivate, develop, recruit, and retain future nurse administrators. The requirement may be met also through engagement in education and supervision of graduate students in mid- or executive-level nursing administration tracks or programs for at least the equivalent of 24 months of full-time practice in the past five years. 4) One of the following: • A master’s degree in nursing administration, or • 30 contact hours with 20 of them applicable to nursing administration within the last 2 years. A combination of contact and academic credit hours and presenter/lecturer credit is acceptable. Contact hours are allowed for attendance at professional meetings that include content appropriate to nursing administration. Independent study that has been approved for continuing education or academic credits also is allowed.

Nursing Administration—Advanced* RN, CNA, and BC: Eligibility Requirements 1) Advanced Nursing Administration Basic Eligibility Requirements. 2) An administrative position at the nurse executive level for a minimum of 24 months of full-time practice within the preceding 5 years, involving at least 7 of the following activities: • Participating in the administration of the health care organization • Participating in strategic and long-range planning of the health care organization • Determining clinical and administrative nursing goals and directions • Determining functions and activities to achieve clinical and administrative nursing goals and direction • Being responsible for the allocation of human, material, and functional resources for specific functions and activities • Evaluating and revising the goals, structure, activities and resources of organized nursing services • Providing leadership in problem-solving • Providing leadership in human resource development and management • Ensuring the ongoing evaluation of services provided by organized nursing services and the organization as a whole • Facilitating research in nursing, health, and management strategies • Serving as a professional role model to motivate, develop, recruit, and retain future nurse administrators. The requirement may be met also through engagement in the education and supervision of graduate students in exec- utive-level nursing administration tracks or programs for at least the equivalent of 24 months of full-time practice within the past five years, and 3) One of the following: A master’s degree in nursing administration, or • If the master’s degree is not in nursing administration, 30 contact, academic credit, and/or presenter/lecturer hours. Contact hours for attendance at professional meetings that involve content appropriate to nursing adminis- tration are acceptable. Independent study that has been approved for contact hours or academic credits is also accepted. Use Form D/ Professional Development Record to document continuing education.

SPECIALTY NURSING Must have an active RN license in the U.S. or its territories; have practiced the equivalent of 2 years full-time as an RN in the U.S. or its territories; hold a bachelor’s or higher degree in nursing for RN, BC, or an associate’s degree/diploma in nursing for RN,C; have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in the specialty within the preceding 3 years, unless otherwise specified; have had 30 contact hours within the preceding 3 years.

*Has met the standards of the American Board of Nursing Specialties, a national peer review program.

AJN • CAREER GUIDE 2007 37 The RN,BC and RN,C credentials are offered with the above basic eligibility requirements for the Cardiac and Vascular Nurse,* Gerontological Nurse,* Medical–Surgical Nurse, Pediatric Nurse,* and Perinatal Nurse. The RN,BC credential is offered with the above requirements for the College Health Nurse* and the Nursing Professional Development.* The following speciality nursing credentials contain additional requirements.

General Nursing Practice* RN,BC: In addition to the basic requirements, must have a minimum of 4,000 hours of practice as a licensed RN in general nursing practice and have practiced 2,000 hours within the preceding 3 years.

Nursing Case Management RN,C: Must hold an active RN license in the U.S. or its territories and have functioned as an RN for 4,000 hours, with at least 2,000 of them within the specialty scope of practice, within the last 2 years.

Pain Management RN,C: The nurse in pain management provides comprehensive nursing care to patients experiencing acute and chronic pain from a variety of causes, such as cancer, labor and delivery, surgery, and headaches. The nurse uses pain man- agement knowledge and skills to make clinical decisions, develop a diagnosis, establish a plan of care, and evaluate the effectiveness of care for patients of all ages and special populations. Care is provided in collaboration with other health care professionals. Nurses engaged in pain management adhere to the scope of practice authorized by state and federal regulations in which the practice occurs. Eligibility Requirements 1) Hold a currently active RN license in one of the 50 states in the U.S. or its territories; 2) Have practiced the equivalent of two years full-time as an RN in the U.S. or its territories; 3) Have practiced in a nursing role that involves aspects of pain management (for example, pain assessment and man- agement, pain management education, research) for at least 2,000 hours in the past 3 years prior to applying to tak- ing the exam; 4) Have 30 hours of continuing education in the 3 years prior to taking the exam, of which a minimum of 15 hours must be related to pain management.

Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse* RN,BC and RN,C: In addition to the basic requirements, must have current access to clinical consultation/supervision and provide a statement/endorsement of clinical consultation or supervision from a nurse colleague. If the colleague is not from the place of employment, an additional statement/endorsement from a non-nurse mental health colleague from place of employment must be provided.

MODULAR NURSING CERTIFICATION All modular certification candidates must meet either of the following sets of basic eligibility requirements.

Core Certified Nurses Must hold an active RN license in the U.S. or its territories; show proof of a current, nationally recognized, core nurs- ing specialty certification; and have functioned within the specialty scope of practice for a minimum of 2,000 hours within the preceding 2 years. The RN,C credential is offered for the (core certified)* and Nursing Case Management (core certified).*

Non-Core Certified Nurses Must hold an active RN license in the U.S. or its territories and have functioned as an RN for 4,000 hours, at least 2,000 of them within the specialty scope of practice, within the preceding 2 years. The RN,C credential is offered for the Ambulatory Care Nursing (non-core certified)* and Nursing Case Management (non-core certified).* t

*Has met the standards of the American Board of Nursing Specialties, a national peer review program.

38 AJN • CAREER GUIDE 2007