RE: New certification

[Henderson, Karin]

Not having a CRNI myself...my certification is as a nurse practitioner and CCRN...certification speaks volumes to the community and support professional nursing practice.  My experience as a director of an IV Nursing Department and PICC program that support 1000 beds is...many many IV nurses would LOVE to obtain certification, HOWEVER, the stringent requirements from INS that most of the CEUs be obtained ONLY by attending one of their national meetings is absolutely prohibitive to most nurses...hospitals have cut education budgets and time off for travel to far away conferences is less than optimal for most.   As a CCRN, a critical care credential that represents the LARGEST group of certified nurses...my suggestion is that INS or ANY organization seeking to offer certification needs to look at the manner in which AACN requires continuing education.  It is NOT necessary to attend their exclusive meetings to recertify...this is a HUGE roadblock to the many fine practitioners in IV nursing who wish certification.  IF AVA offers a national certification that is not so prohibitive to its members...I predict that it will be THE certification of choice for this specialty.  As a manager of a large team, I see the struggles that my CRNIs have every time they need to recertifiy...trying to get to that exclusive conference.....just thoughts from another certified nurse.   Karin Henderson, RN, MSN, CCRN, CS-GNP Director of IV Services/PICC Program Moses Cone Health System Greensboro, NC -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Chris Cavanaugh Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 3:39 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: New certification Hi gang—I was hoping to see some discussion regarding this on the list, but have not so I thought I would get the pot stirred up…AVA announced at the Town Hall meeting that they are working on a new certification, one that may have 2 levels, one for licensed (MDs and RNs) and one for unlicensed (manufacturers, sales reps).  What do people think about this?  Is it a duplication of efforts?  Will those that have a CRNI go ahead for this certification also?  My experience has been that so few people know what a CRNI is, that yet another certification in infusion may confuse them.  Are there any other specialties that have more than one certification?  I could not think of any.  I am interested in hearing what group has to say.  Thanks   Chris Cavanaugh, CRNI 3606 Molona Dr. Orlando, FL 32837 407-928-9297