Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification “What’s the point?”

1. Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification“What’s the point?” Veronica Cedillo, BSN, RN-BC MSN Candidate-UOP

2. Disclosures • The presenter has nothing to disclose. • The content of this educational activity is free of bias. • There is no commercial support related to this activity. • The use of logos is for training purposes only and does not imply the AMSN or ANCC approval or endorsement.

3. Objectives • Identify the components of the medical-surgical certification exam. • Differentiate between the AMSN and ANCC certification exams. • Understand eligibility and the application process for certification. • Identify at least three reasons to be certified.

4. What’s the test about? • Purpose • To test your understanding of what you have already learned as a medical-surgical nurse. • Goal • To use a standardized testing process to create an objective assessment of a test taker's knowledge and skills.

5. Who offers the exams? • Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) www.medsurgnurse.org • Medical Surgical Nurses Certification Board (MSNCB) www.cnetnurse.com/certificates/medsurg_certification.html • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) www.nursingworld.org/ancc *Refer to the websites for the exam schedules and specific information

6. AMSN/MSNCB Test Content • Focus is on the care of acutely ill, hospitalized, adult patients. • Questions regarding domains of practice • Nurse’s helping role • Teaching/Coping Function • Diagnostic and Patient Monitoring Function • Administering and Monitoring Therapeutic Interventions • Effective Management of Rapidly Changing Interventions • Monitoring/Ensuring Quality Health Care Practices • Organizational and Work-Role Competencies

7. Source: Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses. CMSRN vs. RN-BC What’s the difference. Retrieved from http://www.amsn.org/cgibin/WebObjects/AMSNMain.woa/1/wa/viewSection?s_id=1073744070&ss_id=536873595&wosid=KMPA1kz7ueQw28L5vVR8HE2ugP5

8. ANCC Test Content • Pertains to patients 18 and up. • Questions regarding domains of practice • Development • Communication • Basic and Applied Science • Behavioral Science • Patient/Family Education • Delivery of care • Nursing Process • Health Promotion and Wellness • Management/Leadership • Legal and Ethical Issues

9. Source: Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses. CMSRN vs. RN-BC What’s the difference. Retrieved from http://www.amsn.org/cgibin/WebObjects/AMSNMain.woa/1/wa/viewSection?s_id=1073744070&ss_id=536873595&wosid=KMPA1kz7ueQw28L5vVR8HE2ugP5

10. Will the hospital pay for it? • Yes, there is a max. allowance of $400 • Cost of exam at member rate • Cost of review course not offered at hospital • Review materials, such as books and CDs • Eligibility Requirements • RN licensed to practice in Texas • Employed Full Time (64 hrs per pay period minimum) or TDA • Appraisal rating of “Good Solid Performer” or above • Must sit for the exam within 3 months of applying or the next date offered

11. How do I apply?

12. “So, what’s the point of certification?”

13. Today is Certified Nurses Day! Launched by the ANCC and ANA on March 19, 2008 in honor of Dr. Margretta Madden Styles, a visionary nurse leader and scholar known as “the Mother of Nurse Credentialing.”

14. Questions

15. Thank You!