I am a dialysis RN in Ca. Does anyone know about getting certified as a CNN? I heard that one needs a BSN first before being qualified to take the CNN exam. Is this still the situation.
<concern>
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Originally posted by michael: I am a dialysis RN in Ca. Does anyone know about getting certified as a CNN? I heard that one needs a BSN first before being qualified to take the CNN exam. Is this still the situation.
Take the BONENT exam. They are not like ANNa that keeps changing who can take their exams. You are right now you need a BSN. BONENT beleives that all Rn's should be able to sit for exams. Their number is 913/541-9077
You need your BSN now to get your CNN but there is also a test given CHN (Certified Hemodialysis Nurse. Contact ANNA for information about this exam. Good Luck!
quote:
Originally posted by michael: I am a dialysis RN in Ca. Does anyone know about getting certified as a CNN? I heard that one needs a BSN first before being qualified to take the CNN exam. Is this still the situation.
Posts: 2 | Location: San Francisco, Ca. USA | Registered: 17 December 2001
It is my understanding that ANNA does not recognize the BONENT exam.
<Pauline>
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I've heard that techs must be certified in CA. How long has this been the case and what test do they take to become cert.? I recently diayzed in a unit in CA and the tech who told me about this was pretty good in some respects , but still not all that knowledgeable. HE Said they need to take continusing CEUs too.
<concern>
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Originally posted by Pauline: I've heard that techs must be certified in CA. How long has this been the case and what test do they take to become cert.? I recently diayzed in a unit in CA and the tech who told me about this was pretty good in some respects , but still not all that knowledgeable. HE Said they need to take continusing CEUs too.
ANNA only does what is going to help them. They keep changing the rules for RN"S. They don't recognise BONENT because they want people to take their exam.. Lot's of Companies use the BONENT exam. It has been around for a while. I have concerns when ANNA tells you what test to take instead of caring that you want to be certified. I went with BONENT..913-541-9077 is their number
<old school>
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Pauline,I was certified in California in 1982 In accordance with the provisions of section 1242.7 Business and professional code as a Hemodialysis Technician.Yes California has certified Technicians.
Current certifications available: CNN: RN with BSN. Think it is 200 questions CDN: RN without a BSN. CHT: LPN's and dialysis tech. You can go to the web site and see a pie chart of the make up of the test. Ex. The CNN has 20% peritoneal questions and 15% transplant questions. Georgia requires all techs to be certified but they don't yet mandate that this has to be a national certification. But the way the laws are changing here, we will won't have any techs much longer. New law forbids:1) tech to put on, take off, or change dressings on patients with catheters 2)Can't administer any drugs including heparin or lidocaine. 3)Can't provide care to pediatric patients. They can administer saline during a treatment with the immediate notification of the nurse. The board of nursing is fighting to prevent this also, so techs will be very limited in any duties. We will not hire more techs but will be forced to change to LPN's (if we can find any!) The thought behind this is to provide a better quality of care but I am truely concerned some patients will be turned away due to the nurse shortage.
Posts: 125 | Location: Moultrie,Ga, USA | Registered: 27 September 2001
Technicians have never to my knowledge changed catheter dressings,administered lidocaine or heparin,or ..Dialyzed pediatric patients.In reference to the Georgia law THis is just a proposal.Also technicians will always factor in the dialysis equation because of $$$$.In the rural settings the rules seem to be different than the cities,also their is a big pay difference.So if anyone wants to become a technician go for it
Just to clarify the point: The Georgia law is final and was enacted in December 2001. I spent the day with the state surveyors in a meeting this week. This is the law. In many units techs were administering heparin in the initial needle and injected xylocaine prior to the needle insertions. They also changed catheter dressings. There is a difference in starting pay in our area of about $3.00/hr between the tech and the LPN. I am sure many units will continue to use techs but the 7 units nearest us are only hiring licensed nurses, no techs.
Posts: 125 | Location: Moultrie,Ga, USA | Registered: 27 September 2001
Originally posted by concern: Take the BONENT exam. They are not like ANNa that keeps changing who can take their exams. You are right now you need a BSN. BONENT beleives that all Rn's should be able to sit for exams. Their number is 913/541-9077
The BSN requirement is because it was the decision of the NNCC NOT ANNA. All other "Professions" require a Bachelors. So why should nursing be any different?
<teamplayer>
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Originally posted by bambi:
I don't think you have the correct information. ANNA did not have to change it's rules and their are other certification boards that do not require it.ANNA chose to make the change because they wanted to not because anyone forced them into doing it.
<Keith>
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Yes, Bambi does have the correct information. The NNCC made that decision.
You are right, no other board requires a BSN. Nephrology raised the standard for the CNN. The CCRN and various other specialities were considering a BSN requirement and pulled out at the last minute. Believe me, In the future you will see all other certification boards requiring a BSN. There is a CDN (certified dialysis nurse) certification given by the NNCC and supported by ANNA..a bachelors is NOT required.
I agree, any other profession requires a Bachelors (i.e engineering, marketing, etc etc). Should Nursing be any different if we want to be considered a profession?
