Candidates for 2008 certification renewal must meet the following eligibility criteria:
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Hold a current active registered nurse license in the United States or |
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its territories. |
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Meet the professional development requirements for your specialty. |
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There are five categories of Professional Development. You must fulfill two of these categories, or double one of the categories, unless stated otherwise (refer to "Unique Certification Renewal Requirements" on the right for exceptions.) |
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Category 1: Continuing Education Hours |
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Category 2: Academic Credits |
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Category 3: Presentations |
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Category 4: Publication or Research |
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Category 5: Preceptorship |
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3. |
EITHER: Have 1,000 hours of nursing practice in the area of |
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certification specialty, unless stated otherwise (refer to "Unique Certification Renewal Requirements" on the right for exceptions.) |
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OR |
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Retake and pass the certification examination. ( You must pass your exam prior to your current expiration date to maintain uninterrupted certification.) |
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Using Practice Hours to Complete the Certification Renewal Requirements
Applicants for certification renewal who choose this option must complete 1,000 hours of practice during the five-year certification period. Nursing practice includes nursing administration, education, client care, and research related to the area of specialty certification.
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1. Practice must have occurred while holding an active registered nurse license. All practice requirements must be met before the certification renewal application is submitted. |
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2. For practice occurring in the military, Department of Veterans' Affairs, or outside of the United States, an active RN license in the United States or a U.S. territory is required. |
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3. Practice must be in the area of specialty certification. |
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4. Advanced practice nurses (nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists) must function at the advanced practice level in order for the practice hours to qualify. |
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5. Practice occurs in a variety of settings, and may be for compensation or volunteer. However, care of family members, significant others, or friends do not apply. |
Important Notes:
1. If your state requires certification to practice as an advanced practice nurse (nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists), your state may no longer allow you to practice once your certification expires.
2. Please submit your application for certification renewal at least two months before your certification expiration date.