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CPN Certification

CPN Certification. Your Guide To. www.pncb.org. Your No Pass, No Pay Benefit. Congratulations! Your employer participates in PNCB’s no-risk CPN testing program: No out-of-pocket fee to apply No charge for failed exams A pply/test 2 times per your employer’s 12-month contract period

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CPN Certification

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  1. CPN Certification Your Guide To www.pncb.org

  2. Your No Pass, No Pay Benefit Congratulations! Your employer participates in PNCB’s no-riskCPN testing program: • No out-of-pocket fee to apply • No charge for failed exams • Apply/test 2 times per your employer’s 12-month contract period • Reduces fear of failure & financial barriers

  3. Why certify? Nurses seek certification for different reasons: • For Themselves • Employment and Professional Culture • Patient Outcomes / Public Accountability

  4. Benefits for You • Personal sense of accomplishment • Increased confidence in clinical skills • Respect from colleagues • Links to more job satisfaction • An edge on career advancement • Proof of professional growth • Meets a national standard for specialized knowledge

  5. Employment / Professional • Special appreciation • Nurses Week, Certified Nurses Day • Recognition in patient areas • Potential financial rewards • Bonuses • Salary differential • Meets an objective, respected third-party standard for the profession • Certified RNs = quality indicator for Magnet® Wall of Distinction at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Sibley Heart Center

  6. For the Public • Increases consumer confidence • Promotes accountability The public is becoming more and more aware of nursing certification. Nearly 8 out of 10 people surveyed in 2002 were aware that nurses could be certified in a specialty area—in fact more aware of nurse certification than teacher or physician certification. Harris Interactive, Inc. American Association of Critical Care Nurses Survey. November 2002.

  7. Impact on Patients & Advancement Nurses who are nationally certified carry a body of knowledge that directly impacts patient outcomes. Patient outcomes are a large part of advancing on the clinical ladder. - Debbie White, MSN, MSA, RN, ACNS-BC, NEA-BC Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Saint Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, MO From State of Nursing Salaries: 2011

  8. Who is PNCB? • National nursing certification board established in 1975 by: • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) • The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) • Largest certification board for nursing professionals who care for pediatric populations. • Strengthening care for kids is at the heart of everything we do!

  9. PNCB vs. ANCC • $295 to test • About $60/yr to renew • Only certifies peds specialties • 2,945 tested in 2011 • Specific CPN credential • $395 to test • About $70/yr to renew • Certifies many specialties • 174 tested in 2011 • Generic RN-BC credential PNCB certification is considered the gold standard for pediatric nursing. PNCB’s exams are endorsed by the Society of Pediatrics (SPN), the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

  10. CPN Exam Eligibility The Certified Nurse Exam is for RNs with extensive experience in pediatric practice and who demonstrate knowledge and abilities related to pediatric nursing beyond basic RN licensure. To apply, you will need: • 1800 hours of pediatric clinical practice in the past 24 months • A current, active, unrestricted RN license in the U.S., Canada, or U.S. territory

  11. Eligibility FAQs Q: Do I need a BSN to take the exam? A: No. You can hold a Diploma, Associate’s Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. Q: If I have 1800 hours of experience before I reach the 24-month point, do I have to wait to apply? A: No. This timeframe just makes sure the experience is recent. Q: What counts for clinical practice hours? A: Direct patient care, teaching, administration, clinical research, school-based care, home health care, or consultation in pediatric nursing.

  12. PNCB Preparation Resources 1 Exam Content Outline 2 CPN Reference List 3 CPN Exam Prep 4 Test-taking Strategies Modules

  13. Content Outline (or Test Blueprint) • #1 most valuable tool for your study • Describes all subject areas on the exam and number of questions per category • Questions will not include true/false or knowledge recall • Tests your ability to apply knowledge & think critically • Goal = determine one best answer among choices • Access the content outline here

  14. Reference List • A list of over a dozen respected texts • Several are used by our test item writers • Consider using 1 textbook you’re familiar with • Not inclusive of all resources that could be used • Access the reference list here What texts are available where you work? Are funds available to create a study library?

  15. CPN Exam Prep Optional online practice test • 50 questions • See how questions are presented • In-depth rationale for right and wrong answers • Score report can show weak areas and help you focus studies Not a study or review course. See PNCB’s website for current pricing.

  16. Test-taking Strategies Module Optional online learning activity • Exam preparation tips • Strategies for answering multiple-choice exam questions • Techniques to manage test anxiety Not a study or review course. See PNCB’s website for current pricing.

  17. Preparation FAQs Q: Do I have to take a review course? A: PNCB does not require that you take a review course. Q: Does PNCB offer a review book or course? A: No. Doing so would be a conflict of interest, especially if a tester failed the exam after paying for a PNCB review. Q: Can PNCB recommend the best text? A: PNCB can’t endorse specific texts or review courses, but we recommend using onepeds nursing textbook you’re familiar with. Tip! Know colleagues who recently passed? Ask what texts or other resources they found most helpful.

  18. Steps in Applying & Testing 1 Complete Online Application 2 Receive Eligibility Notification 3 Schedule Exam with Prometric 4 Take Your Exam

  19. How do I apply? Allow 15 minutes to complete the online application. Have your hospital’s charge code and RN license info handy. • Go to www.pncb.org and access the CPN application • Create your account if new to the website • Enter charge code and hospital name • Enter requested information • Basic info about you • RN licensure • Education and employment Tip! You will need to take your exam within 90 days of applying. Be sure you’re ready to schedule your test within that timeframe when you submit the application.

  20. Code Use Tips • You test within 90 days of applying. • Be sure you’re ready to schedule your test within that timeframe when you submit the application. • Applying for the exam counts as one use of the code. • If you cancel or do not show for your test, you can only use the code once more in your employer’s 12-month contract period. • A 90-day extension can be purchased from PNCB. • The new testing window begins once your application for an extension is processed. It does not grant you 180 days to pick a test date. • You, not your employer, will pay for any extension.

  21. Eligibility Notification This is your green light to schedule your exam! • PNCB notifies you by email and postcard that your application is approved • Check your spam folder for this important email • You receive your 90-day testing window in the eligibility notification • You must schedule your exam during that timeframe and test

  22. Scheduling Your Exam • Soon after eligibility notification, visit www.Prometric.com to schedule your testing day and time • Changing or cancelling test dates is managed by Prometric • Prometric charges PNCB a fee when a tester doesn’t show, so please honor your testing commitment • A 90-day extension is available from PNCB for a fee Tip! Even before you apply, find the closest testing center to you at www.Prometric.com

  23. Test Administration • You will test at a proctored Prometric Testing Center • Nearly 500 locations across the U.S. • 3 hours testing time • 175 multiple-choice questions • A tutorial on using the computer is provided • Pass/fail status received before leaving the center (official mailed results 2 to 3 weeks)

  24. Test Administration Tips • Arrive at least 30 minutes early • Bring required, unexpired IDs matching your name on your application • You will be scanned by a metal detector • Some Prometric centers offer a 30-minute “Test Drive” for a fee to experience check-in and testing computer • You are allowed to take breaks, but they count as part of your testing time. • Watch Prometic’scheck-in video for more details. PNCB does not require finger tip scans.

  25. Testing FAQs Q: Is the CPN exam like the NCLEX? A: While there are similarities (e.g., testing on a computer in a secure, proctored environment), there are also differences. The CPN exam only asks multiple choice questions, while NCLEX contains alternate item formats (fill in the blanks, hot spot items, etc.). With the CPN exam, you can also return to questions and change an answer before final submission. PNCB does not use adaptive testing, which can vary the number of questions a testers sees, and ends when competence is determined. The CPN exam does not end until 3 hours are up, or unless you submit answers before that time limit.

  26. More Testing FAQs Q: Is there a penalty for incorrect answers? A: No, so it is better to answer every item rather than skip any. Q: How is the exam scored? A: The number of questions that must be answered correctly to pass is decided by a psychometrician and an expert panel of CPNs. Each question is evaluated for difficulty. Each test form is analyzed for the passing cut point. A scaled score is then determined to put all exam forms and scores in the same frame of reference. PNCB uses a range from 200 (0 correct) to 800 (all correct) with 400 being the passing cut-point for the exam. Q: What is the passing rate? A: For 2012, 79% of RNs testing passed.

  27. After the Exam Passing testers • Receive pass packet by mail in 2-3 weeks • Celebrate your achievement! • Wear your lapel pin • Frame your certificate • Let your leadership know • Ask if CPN can be added to your name badge • Get familiar with the Recertification process Unsuccessful testers • Score report mailed in 2-3 weeks • Reduced fee to retest (free for No Pass, No Pay hospitals) • No waiting period to retest

  28. CPN Champions Program CPNs who encourage colleagues to certify can apply for this special volunteer role with benefits: • Special gear and tool kit • Recert gift certificate • Network with Champions across the U.S Champions share materials and report on efforts • 2-year term with potential for reappointment • 1 Champion per location; more for larger hospitals Apply at www.pncb.org/volunteer.html

  29. Maintaining Certification All certification boards require a renewal process. Recertification or “Recert” documents that you’re keeping your practice and knowledge current. CPNs recertify annually.

  30. How do I recertify? Follow these steps to maintain your CPN certification: • Check your online wallet card and mark your calendar. You will recertify between October 1 and January 31 prior to your online wallet card’s expiration date. Mark calendar • Learn about what’s needed for your Recert: Spring is a good time to visit www.pncb.org and understand options and requirements. Keep your RN license current. Get to know Recert • Earn continuing education: You need 15 contact hours or accepted equivalents each year. Your clinical work hours can count for 5 contact hours. PNCB’s site lists free/low-cost online CE sources. Does your employer offer CE? Earn CE • (Optional Benefit) Add completed CE to My Recert Tracker: This free tool at PNCB’s site lets you archive contact hours and other activities right after completing them. It’s easy and convenient, but not required. Load as you go • Recertify online: Visit www.pncb.org between October 1 and January 31 – you pick the day – and tell us what you accomplished, update your info, and pay your fee. Recertify

  31. Recert FAQs Q: Why annual recertification? A: Annual keeps costs low, contact info up to date, and CE requirements manageable. Q: What are accepted equivalents for CE? A: Academic credit, precepting, authorship, posters, clinical work hours, or committee participation can count for 5 contact hours. We call these Professional Practice Learning (PPL). You can use 1 PPL per Recertification. See www.pncb.org for full details. Q: What if I didn’t have a chance to earn CE? A: Visit www.pncb.org for free and low cost CE online resources. And once every 7 years, you can select Record Review Year. You simply update your profile and pay a lower fee. Your certification is maintained this way. Very helpful if you have a major life event.

  32. Questions? We’re here to help! Exam questions: exam@pncb.org About Recertification: recert@pncb.org About No Pass, No Pay: npnp@pncb.org Or call us at 888-641-2767

  33. Free Resources from PNCB • Unit meetings? • Skills fairs? • Certified Nurses Day or Nurses Week events? Order free materials here PNCB even sends free small giveaways to support your events!

  34. Thank you We wish you much success in your future professional development! www.pncb.org

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