Upstate AHEC Providing Nurse Certification Review Courses

Nursing, like health care in general, has become increasingly complex. While a registered nurse (RN) license provides entry to general nursing practice, the knowledge-intensive requirements of modern nursing require extensive additional education, as well as a strong personal commitment to excellence by the nurse. With this in mind, many hospitals are encouraging national board certification for their nurses. Additionally, patients are advised to inquire whether there are certified nurses on staff when they visit a hospital or primary care provider. Board certification of nurses plays an increasingly important role in the assurance of high standards of care for patients and their loved ones.

There are a number of nursing certification specialties such as medical-surgical, pediatric, pain management, cardiac vascular, oncology, hospice, case management, emergency nursing, critical care and many others. Nursing certification bodies exist to serve the full range of specialized nursing care offered in the contemporary health care system and most are accredited by either the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) or the National Organization for Competence Assurance (NOCA), or both. Nursing certification validates knowledge, professional skills and practice, clinical expertise, and expert clinical judgment and a standard that improves care.

Upstate AHEC understands that certification review courses are in demand and has planned six courses for the remainder of 2015. Certification review courses provide information that can be utilized in preparing for certification exams, valuable study tips and continuing education contact hours. In an effort to support the need for life-long learning, expand nurses’ knowledge and increase the percentage of nationally certified nurses, Upstate AHEC has already offered 12 certification review courses over the last 24 months. During this time 199 nurses participated in these courses.

For more information about Upstate AHEC certification review courses, visit www.upstateahec.org.

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South Carolina AHEC News & Updates

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