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Professional Education

Certification

Following CCCN's development of the Cardiovascular Standards, certification in Cardiovascular was first offered by the Canadian Nurses Association accreditation program in 2001. Since this time, more than 721 Canadian nurses have successfully received the designation of CCN(C), Certified in Cardiovascular Nursing (C)anada.

Why become certified?

Specialty certification is a voluntary program that allows you to build on the solid foundation of your Canadian RN registration and the clinical experience you gain in your specialty. With it, everybody wins - you, your clients and your employer.

Certification helps you stay current by testing your specialized knowledge and skills, and having a trademarked credential after your name to designate certification validates your competency in your specialty.

The Canadian Nurses Association defines the purpose of certification as threefold:

• To promote excellence in nursing care for the people of Canada through the establishment of national standards of practice in nursing specialty areas;
• To provide an opportunity for practitioners to confirm their competence in a specialty; and
• To identify through a recognized credential, those nurses meeting the national standards of their specialty.

Certification is a commitment to the leading edge in national health-care standards. It gives national scope to the principle of continued competence encouraged by provincial/territorial quality assurance programs. It's a tangible distinction, confirming your knowledge and skill levels in your specialty. And, as you enhance your career, you join a growing network of specialized nurses - more than 13 000 in an increasing number of specialties.

Certification is regulated and administered in Canada through the Canadian Nurses Association. Below are some highlights of information available on the CNA web site including information specific to cardiovascular certification. Please visit their web site at : http://www.cna-aiic.ca/CNA/nursing/certification/apply/guidelines/default_e.aspx for full details, resources and applications.

What are the Exam Requirements?

The CNA certification exam is practice based, but you can improve your preparation by studying on your own or in study groups with others. You should refresh your knowledge in all areas of your specialty, especially those areas in which you have not been actively involved in recent months.

CNA provides the following information on the Cardiovascular exam competencies followed by a bibliography to assist in your exam preparation. http://www.cna-aiic.ca/cna/documents/pdf/publications/CERT_Cardio_e.pdf

Once you have registered with CNA to write an exam, you will be given an access to CNA's online certification prep guide and practice test. Please visit http://www.cna-aiic.ca/CNA/nursing/certification/default_e.aspx for further details.

The CNA certification online prep guides are developed by the expert nurses who also develop the certification exam. The prep guide supplies you with information about the exam process and development and with suggestions on how to prepare for the exam. This reference is not intended to be the only source for preparing for the exam. It is an excellent complement to your other study resources - so do not wait to receive your access to the online prep guide to begin studying.

The 6th Annual Cardiovascular Review Workshop will be held in February 2010 in Toronto. This is a 3-day workshop for nurses seeking advanced CNA certification and improved cardiovascular nursing knowledge and skills. Morning refreshments, lunch and afternoon snacks will be provided. Sponsorship from: Sanofi-Aventis.
See workshop brochure for more information.

Date: February 26, 27, 28, 2010 (3 day course)
Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Place: 6-002 Cardinal Carter Wing (beside Marketeria), St. Michael’s Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8

Contact Name for registration: Jennifer Cruz
Telephone: (416) 864-6060 ext. 3843
E-mail: cruzj@smh.toronto.on.ca

Click here for more information

 

When do I apply?

Applications will be accepted between September 2 and October 17, 2008 to apply for the 2009 CNA certification by exam scheduled for April 4, 2009. Please click here for further details and application forms.

How much does it cost to write the exam?

• 2008 Certification Fees

How do I apply?

• Information brochure
• Apply for certification

Recertification

Your initial CNA certification credential in your nursing specialty is valid for a five-year term. About six months before the end of the certification term, you will be notified by CNA that your certification term is nearing the five-year mark. You will automatically be sent a package with all of the information necessary to renew your certification.

You can choose to renew by continuous learning (CL) or by writing the certification exam again. Most nurses choose to renew by CL. You will be asked to complete the Certification Renewal application form and to provide a list of CL activities in your specialty that you have earned during your five-year term, (minimum 100 hours).

• Certification Renewal application and guidelines

Financial support

CCCN Nova Scotia offers a certification grant for members residing in this province.

Additionally, CNA has compiled a resource page of potential sources of financial support to pursue certification.