RE: New certification

[Chris Cavanaugh]

Perhaps you misunderstood, or the rules have changed.  When I took my CCRN in 1996 there was only the one certification for critical care—medical, surgical, cardiac, peds etc…. Perhaps this is changed.  I would still be a CCRN, except for the hours in the field requirement, as I no longer work in critical care.   I have not started a war, only opened a discussion, and one I feel was valuable.  If nurses did not have opinions on this subject, no one would have responded.  So I am thrilled to see this important dialog.  My hope is that the people in charge of both the CRNI certification and the future AVA certification take these comments with them when they are formulating the programs.   >From what I have taken from the discussion, there is a need for a vascular access certification—either as an alternative to CRNI for those who do not want to take that exam and go through the process of recert which involves attending INS meetings, or as an addition to, for those who only place the lines and do that line specific assessment.  The other important point this has generated is that nurses DO NOT want to be forced to attend an annual meeting (even 1 every 3 yrs) to recert.  So hopefully AVA will not make this a requirement, and make hours in practice, and CEUs the way to recert.   Thanks so much to all who have contributed their voices.  I love being able to have a nationwide discussion with nurses in this specialty.   You are a rare group of very special people!   Chris Cavanaugh, CRNI From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, September 23, 2006 2:13 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: New certification   I disagree with Chris  point of view especially addressing neonatal specialty as part of CCRN! I maintained 3 certifications, fortunately my hospital is very supportive for advanced education, and I comply to all to their rules. NICU certification has a world of difference from CCRN, and so with PICU and so with ENT and etc.....CCRN does not encompass it all! Every organization & certifications has it's own mission & goals for the protection of the patient....Infusion therapy is another specialty that has its own, also this specialty is small compared to critical care, acute care & pediatrics specialties. Unfortunately you are creating a war between yourselves which is very, very embarrassing to other specialties and lowers self esteem amongst us that chooses to be in this specialty. I used to be in an IV therapy team (the early days,mid 90's i.e. starting IV's & PICC only) and we always get the low down comments from MD's & critical care nurses of "your are just an IV therapist, you don't know anything"! BUT NOW we are finally nationally recognized! we have our own standards & certification! We finally established our own identity ... that we are experts in infusion therapy not only to place a line but all the aspects of infusion therapy and where else can you learn about your own specialty but thru the experts & thru your own organization! AVA & INS have their own mission please don't make comparison and don't make a reason to split them apart you are destroying your own profession! we've gone a long way LET'S BE PROUD of our accomplishments as infusion nurses!!! Lets help each other strengthen our future and not weaken it !!! This topic has touch my heart ... just got to say my two cents! Elvie Balinsat Sacramento, CA