FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/July 25, 1997 CONTACT: Fay S. Gold [202/651-7209] MEDIA ADVISORYAmerican Nurses Credentialing Center Extends Certification Deadline Requirements to Registered NursesWashington, D.C.-- In response to requests from the nursing community, the Board of Directors of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has extended the certification deadline for non-baccalaureate nurses to December 31, 1997. To meet demand, the ANCC will offer two additional registration options. First, registered nurses who do not hold a BSN degree may register for one of six generalist certification exams through December 31, 1997 and take the examination during any of the 1998 examination dates. The six areas in which registration is available until the end of the year are: gerontological nurse, medical-surgical, pediatric, perinatal, generalist and psychiatric and mental health nurse. Secondly, registered nurses enrolled in full and part-time baccalaureate degree programs in nursing and who otherwise meet eligibility criteria can register and sit for a generalist examination in 1998 or 1999. Evidence of enrollment in a baccalaureate program from a school of nursing must be documented along with a completed registration application. Under these requirements, certification will be valid only until January 1, 2000 unless the individual provides evidence of conferral of the baccalaureate in nursing. Certification is one of the most important career advances a nurse can make. Certification indicates that a nurse has met practice standards set by peers and demonstrates a commitment to competence in the nursing profession. The American Nurses Credentialing Center is the nation's premier credentialing center offering generalist, advanced practice and clinical specialists examinations in 28 nursing areas. Over 130,000 registered nurses have been certified by ANCC. To obtain registration materials, please call the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Customer Care Center at 1-800-284-2378. The American Nurses Credentialing Center is a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association.
|
