Renewal Eligibility HOW TO CALCULATE CERPS. OPTION 4 Inactive Status. OPTION 1 Renewal by Synergy CERPs. OPTION 2 Renewal by CERPs

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1 CCRN and PCCN certifications are conferred for a period of three (3) years. A certification period begins the first day of the month in which the examination is passed and ends three years later (i.e., August 1, 2008 through July 31, 2011). Approximately 4 months before your certification is due to be renewed, details about renewal will be sent to you. Please do not submit your renewal materials prior to that notification. Please keep AACN informed of your current address and e- mail; send changes to info@aacn.org. At renewal time you may seek certification Renewal by Synergy CERPs, by CERPs, or by Exam, or you may choose Inactive status. Do not apply for more than one option. It is not permissible to take the exam early and attempt to renew by CERPs if you fail. AACN Certification Corporation conducts random rolling audits following submission of renewal applications. Certificants are not notified in advance when being audited. Audits will be done randomly after the certificant s renewal date. Certificants selected for an audit will be notified via mail and will then have a period of 60 days to submit the required verification materials (i.e., course certificates, letter verifying clinical hours, etc.). Renewal candidates should continue to keep personal records of CERP activities for at least three (3) years following their successful renewal, to submit in the event that an audit is performed. Online Renewal by Synergy CERPs or by CERPs is available to all active CCRNs and PCCNs as early as four (4) months prior to their renewal date. Visit and click on Online Renewal for more information. Renewal Eligibility Current, unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse in the U.S. and 432 hours in direct bedside care of acutely or critically ill patients within the 3-year certification period, with 144 of those hours accrued in the year preceding application, are required. Hours spent supervising/precepting nurses/students at the bedside are eligible. OPTION 1 Renewal by Synergy CERPs Meet eligibility requirements for certification renewal and complete the Continuing Education Recognition Point (CERP) program. A total of 100 CERPs must be completed in the 3- year certification period, with at least 60 CERPs in Category A and 10 each in Categories B and C, plus 20 CERPs in category of choice. Visit for more information about Renewal by Synergy CERPs, including a quick reference of Topics and, fact sheet and slide program with narration. OPTION 2 Renewal by CERPs Meet eligibility requirements for certification renewal and complete the Continuing Education Recognition Point (CERP) program. A total of 100 CERPs must be accumulated, with at least 2 in Category A (see following pages for a description of categories). This option will be phased out by January 1, OPTION 3 Renewal by Exam Meet the eligibility requirements for certification renewal and successfully complete the certification examination. Refer to the Certification Exam Handbook online at for an application. Refer to the CCRN/PCCN Renewal Handbook online at for other designations available to nonrenewing certificants. OPTION 4 Inactive Status Inactive status is available to nurses who do not currently meet the certification renewal eligibility requirements but do not wish to lose their certification status. Inactive status allows CCRN and PCCN certified nurses additional time, up to three (3) years, from the date of renewal to meet the eligibility requirements. During the time of Inactive status candidates may not use the respective credential. HOW TO CALCULATE CERPS Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) are calculated according to the educational contact hour for seminars or lectures. For purposes of certification renewal, 1 CERP is equal to 1 contact hour. CERPs are not awarded for registration, introductions, breaks, lunch or clinical time. CERPs are not awarded for completion of certification exams offered by other organizations. For example, if you attended an educational program and earned 6 contact hours or 6 CMEs, then 6 CERPs would be awarded for this program. For Academic Credit Courses, CERPs are assigned as follows: In a semester system, one semester unit credit, one semester hour or one credit is worth 1. In a quarter system, one quarter unit credit, one quarter hour or one credit is worth 10 CERPs. In a trimester system, one trimester unit credit is worth 1.

2 Topics & CATEGORY A RENEWAL BY SYNERGY CERPS - TOPICS AND ACTIVITIES All categories have both ongoing learning topics and activities that may be counted for CERPs. A total of 100 CERPs is required every three years in the following categories, grouped as they relate to the nurse characteristics of the AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care. The Synergy Model also includes Patient Characteristics. Synergy results when patient needs and characteristics are matched with nurse competencies. Refer to for more about the Synergy Model. Following are examples of how CERPs are categorized in the Renewal by Synergy CERPs program. These include, but are not limited to, the examples provided. 60 CERPs minimum / 80 CERPs maximum Clinical Judgment Clinical Inquiry (or Innovator/ Evaluator) CCRN Self-Assessment Exam (SAE) with 70% passing score Clinical reasoning, which includes clinical decision making, critical thinking and a global grasp of the situation, coupled with nursing skills acquired through a process of integrating education, experiential knowledge, and evidence-based guidelines. The ongoing process of questioning and evaluating practice and providing informed practice. Creating changes through evidencebased practice, research utilization and experiential knowledge. CLINICAL JUDGMENT in-services related to body systems, monitoring, physical assessment, anatomy and physiology, nursing interventions, lab values, pharmacology, ABG interpretation, diagnostic tests, therapies, fluid dynamics, BLS, ACLS, PALS, NALS, EKG interpretation, nutritional support, bariatric surgery, IV therapy, clinical implications of bioterrorism, technical skills, new equipment, core review, and exam review programs. OPTION 1 - RENEWAL BY SYNERGY CERPS CATEGORIES A, B and C 1 once per renewal period Participation on an AACN Certification Corporation Committee or Task Force (Practice Analysis, Item Writer, Exam Development, SAE or Practice Exam Reviewer) Appeal Panel 30 CERPs CLINICAL INQUIRY in-services related to research and research process, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, how to do an audit or prevalence study; how to evaluate nursing care; and how to publish an article. Develop best practices, standards of practice, or standard nursing care plans for specific patient populations; original authorship Develop evaluation tools based on outcome criteria in behavioral terms; original authorship Develop or revise practice protocol; original authorship Auditing activities Quality improvement activities Research activities (minimum 8 hours) (minimum 8 hours) (minimum 8 hours) Professional Publications Responsibility in the publication may be authorship, co-authorship, or editorial. The item to be published may be a book, chapter in a book, paper, article, abstract, book review, etc. Professionally authored multimedia aids are acceptable. Note: CERPs for joint authorships are determined by dividing the number of CERPs to be awarded by the number of authors. Max of 30 CERPs per renewal period allowed in this area. Editorial in a journal Write a column for a journal Article in a local newsletter, AACN chapter newsletter, or AACN News PCCN Self-Assessment Exam (SAE) with 70% passing score 1 once per renewal period Original research article (peer reviewed) continued continued

3 RENEWAL BY SYNERGY CERPS - TOPICS AND ACTIVITIES CATEGORY A Textbook or chapter author or editor per 10 pages (max 30) CATEGORY B 10 CERPs minimum / 30 CERPs maximum Professionally authored multimedia aids Research abstract Journal article (peer reviewed) Journal reviewer (review of articles or book chapters) Book reviews Unpublished master s thesis Doctoral dissertation Service on editorial boards 1 10 CERPs 10 CERPs 30 CERPs per board/ regularly completed as the focus of your primary nursing role may not be counted for CERPs. If an activity is counted in one category, it may not be counted in another category (e.g., poster, speaking, publishing on one study may be counted only once). Acceptable Proof for Category A CERPs If selected for audit, submit all of the following that apply: Photocopy of CE certificate for any ongoing learning CE. The CE certificate must contain your name, date(s) of attendance, title of course and contact hours. If the program was not formally granted contact hours, submit all the following: written verification of attendance, including name of participant, date(s) of attendance, title of course and hours of course (minus breaks and lunch), signed by educator or course director. SAE score report showing passing score of at least 70%. Written verification of project, activity or committee/board involvement, including date(s). Copy of the publication when possible. If not, a copy of the title page and table of contents is required. Publisher s notice of acceptance for publication should be submitted if CERPs are to be granted before printing. Copies of ACLS, BLS and PALS cards are not sufficient for audit; documentation of the actual class time is required, including signature of a supervisor, educator or professional colleague. Advocacy & Moral Agency Caring Practices Response to Diversity Facilitation of Learning (or Patient/ Family Educator) Working on another's behalf and representing the concerns of the patient/family and nursing staff; serving as a moral agent in identifying and helping to resolve ethical and clinical concerns within and outside the clinical setting. Nursing activities that create a compassionate, supportive, and therapeutic environment for patients and staff, with the aim of promoting comfort and healing and preventing unnecessary suffering. These caring behaviors include, but are not limited to, vigilance, engagement, and responsiveness of caregivers. Caregivers include family and healthcare personnel. The sensitivity to recognize, appreciate and incorporate differences into the provision of care. Differences may include, but are not limited to, individual, cultural, spiritual, gender, race, ethnicity, lifestyle, socioeconomic, age and values. The ability to facilitate learning for patients/families, nursing staff, other members of the healthcare team and community. Includes both formal and informal facilitation of learning. ADVOCACY & MORAL AGENCY in-services related to patient rights, value of certification, advance directives, informed consent, ethics, ethical issues, regulatory issues (HIPAA, Joint Commission), insurance and reimbursement, legal aspects of nursing practice, public policy and sexual harassment training. Participation on an Ethics Committee CARING PRACTICES in-services related to comfort measures, therapeutic communications, therapeutic touch, palliative care, grief and loss, patient safety (including infection control, fall prevention, body mechanics), stress management and burnout, and pet therapy.

4 RENEWAL BY SYNERGY CERPS - TOPICS AND ACTIVITIES CATEGORY B continued Facilitate a patient or family support group (e.g., Mended Hearts, bariatric or transplant support groups) Participate in a pet visitation program for hospitals or nursing homes Facilitate a critical incident debriefing with staff involved Participation on an advisory team or committee related to diversity (e.g., multigenerational work environment, cultural aspects of care, special needs) Volunteer community service for diverse populations (e.g., HIV hospice, migrant health clinics, free clinics). Minimum four (4) visits/service contacts. Activity must involve nursing clinical judgment 6 CERPs (minimum of 6 hours) (minimum of 5 hours) (minimum of 5 hours spent on incident) RESPONSE TO DIVERSITY in-services related to cultural diversity, developmental stages, medical Spanish, cultural aspects of transportation, spiritual considerations of the dying patient, psychosocial issues in diverse populations, and outcomes/health disparities related to diverse populations. 1 CERP per hour (max of 8 CERPs per renewal period) FACILITATION OF LEARNING in-services related to learning theory, mentoring, precepting, assessing learning needs, and health literacy projects. Designing informational aids intended for use as references in the clinical area Designing patient educational aids, booklets, or audiovisual projects Designing a multimedia learning module (e.g., patient teaching program on PowerPoint) Preceptorship/mentorship (includes checking skills stations for staff competency). Minimum of 80 hours of preceptorship required. per project per project 6 CERPs Professional Presentations Encompasses the certificant s participation as an instructor delivering content to nurses, other healthcare professionals or the public. The presentation must be delivered within a structured framework of teaching/learning. A presentation includes seminar, in-service, a clinical conference, patient/family education program, consumer education program, Basic Cardiac Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, AACN chapter educational activities and/or presenting an original paper or poster presentations. The participant may be a primary instructor, member of a team, guest lecturer or member of a panel. Chapter Advisory Team participant, etc. (Check-in stations during a skills lab also count in the category.) are granted for each contact hour of lecture given. Each repeat presentation is granted 1 CERP per contact hour for a maximum of two times within a renewal period. If the program is cotaught, the number of CERPs to be awarded is determined by dividing CERPs by the number of instructors. A maximum of 10 CERPs will be granted for professional presentations. 1 FOR EXAMPLE A one contact hour presentation given three times (one original and two repeat presentations) would earn a maximum of. regularly completed as the focus of your primary nursing role may not be counted for CERPs. For example, as a critical care educator you may not claim CERPs for orientation programs that you present; however, presentations given on a newly researched topic for your chapter, or at NTI, may be claimed for CERPs in Category B. Acceptable Proof for Category B CERPs If selected for audit, submit all of the following that apply: Photocopy of CE certificate for any ongoing learning CE. The CE certificate must contain your name, date(s) of attendance, title of course and contact hours. If the program was not formally granted contact hours, submit all of the following: written verification of attendance, including name of participant, date(s) of attendance, title of course and hours of course (minus breaks and lunch), signed by educator or course director. Evidence of participation in the presentation (e.g., brochure, announcement, or written statement) and contact hours. Written verification of project, activity or committee/board involvement, including date(s). Written verification by manager of facilit ation of critical incident debriefing with dates and number of staff involved. continued

5 RENEWAL BY SYNERGY CERPS - TOPICS AND ACTIVITIES CATEGORY C SYSTEMS THINKING 10 CERPs minimum / 30 CERPs maximum Collaboration Working with others (e.g., patients, families, healthcare providers) in a way that promotes/ encourages each person's contributions toward achieving optimal/realistic patient/family goals. Collaboration involves intra- and interdisciplinary work with colleagues and community. All CE, academic courses and/or in-services related to care across many departments, settings, facilities, participants, regions; discharge planning; standards of excellence; management and leadership skills; healthy work environments; AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care; risk management; natural disaster/emergency planning and coordination, exploring community resources, etc. Systems Thinking The body of knowledge and tools that allow the nurse to manage whatever environmental and system resources that exist for the patient/ family and staff within or across healthcare systems and non-healthcare systems. COLLABORATION in-services related to a healthy work environment; crucial conversations; improving interdepartmental or inter- and intra-professional communication; communication skills; dealing with conflict; and dealing with difficult people. Current membership in a professional healthcare organization (e.g., AACN, ANA, etc.) Participation on an Advisory Team (Board Advisory Team) Participation as a Learning Connection Mentor Participation in a review panel (grant abstract, NTI Creative Scholarship) Participation in a think tank Participation in a work group Participation as an AACN Ambassador Participation on a non-aacn national committee Volunteering in a healthcare mission (e.g., Flying SAMS, Project Concern, health fairs, manning a first aid booth at a community event). Activity must utilize nursing clinical judgment. per year/per organization (max 6 CERPs ) The following applies for AACN or other national organizations. 10 CERPs 10 CERPs 10 CERPs 1 CERP per hour (max of 8 CERPs per renewal period) Participation in activities/teams/committees that solve or prevent complex problems, and improve care across many participants, multiple departments, settings, facilities or regions (e.g., spearheading a major patient care improvement) Participation in leadership responsibilities or committee involvement at a chapter/regional level Leadership responsibilities or committee involvement in professional or health-related organizations Participation as an AACN or AACN Certification Corporation Board Member Initiating or leading an interdisciplinary team to solve a patient care problem or leading a case conference Developing or revising nursing policy or procedure per activity/ 8 CERPs per committee/per year 8 CERPs per committee/per year 20 CERPs 5 CERPS per team meeting/ case conference (max of 5 CERPs ) for original; 1 CERP for revision regularly completed as the focus of your primary nursing role may not be counted for CERPs. Acceptable Proof for Category C CERPs If selected for audit, submit all of the following that apply: Photocopy of CE certificate for any ongoing learning CE. The CE certificate must contain your name, date(s) of attendance, title of course and contact hours. If the program was not formally granted contact hours, submit all the following: written verification of attendance, including name of participant, date(s) of attendance, title of course and hours of course (minus breaks and lunch), signed by educator or course director. Written verification from the organization Written documentation (brochure) of the volunteer organization s (non AACN) values and mission statement Photocopy of membership card Written verification from the organization on initiative or leadership role on team to solve patient care problem

6 RENEWAL BY CERPS - TOPICS AND ACTIVITIES OPTION 2 - RENEWAL BY CERPS CATEGORIES A and O This option only available through December A total of 100 CERPs are required every 3 years. Category A CERPs Acute and Critical Care Education Programs A minimum of 25 Category A CERPs are required per 3-year certification period. All 100 CERPs may be in this category. This category encompasses acute and critical care programs granting contact hours or CERPs. These programs must address subjects that have direct application to the needs of the acutely or critically ill patient or family. Acceptable programs must possess one or more of the following characteristics: Have direct application to meeting the needs of the acutely or critically ill patient or patient s family across the healthcare continuum Address skills utilized by nurses Have impact on assessment data These programs need NOT be approved by AACN and may be offered by hospitals, professional associations, or independent education groups. Home study or self-study programs from professional journals or other sources that grant contact hours apply to Category A. All 100 CERPs may be obtained through this method. If a course is taken for academic credit, but is specific to patient care, CERPs can be awarded in Category A. Examples include the following: Physical assessment Anatomy/physiology/pathophysiology Diagnostic tests used in critical care settings (e.g., ABG interpretation, cardiac angiography, X-ray and lab interpretation) Concerns regarding the environment in critical care area (e.g., infection control) Psychological or behavioral responses of the patient and family (e.g., sensory deprivation, patient teaching, nursing diagnosis) Issues pertaining to patient care Environment (e.g., ethical and legal issues) Therapies, interventions or knowledge vital to patient management (e.g., fluid dynamics, BLS, ACLS, PALS, EKG interpretation, nutritional support, pain management, IV therapy, pharmacology) Core review/exam review programs (e.g., CCRN, PCCN, CMC, CSC) CCRN Self-Assessment Exam (SAE) 1 PCCN Self-Assessment Exam (SAE) 1 The program must define a continuing education credit as one (1) contact hour, which is equivalent to one (1) CERP, or the program must use the recognized value of CERP. If selected for audit, submit photocopy of certificate or SAE score report showing pass rate of 70% or higher. The Continuing Education (CE) certificate must contain your name, date(s) of attendance, title of course and contact hours. If the program was not formally granted contact hours, submit the following: written verification of attendance, including name of participant, date(s) of attendance, title and hours of course (minus breaks and lunch), signed by educator or course director. Note: Copies of ACLS, BLS and PALS cards are not sufficient for audit; documentation of the actual class time is required, including signature of a supervisor, educator or professional colleague. Category A or O CERPs Academic Credit Courses Encompasses academic courses offered by an accredited college or university. These courses should address the biopsychosocial knowledge base of professional human services. It is not essential that the course content be critical care concepts. Examples of courses that are NOT acceptable include but are not limited to: history, math, art, music and English. Examples of acceptable courses include psychology, sociology, philosophy, social or cultural anthropology, research, education statistics, chemistry, biology, human anatomy and physiology, medical Spanish, and healthcare management. College credits earned through challenge exams are acceptable. Courses that have direct application to bedside nursing care are awarded in Category A. Examples of courses that fall into Category A include: physical assessment, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, nutrition, issues pertaining to the patient care environment (e.g., ethical and legal issues), EKG interpretation, pain management, IV therapy, pharmacology, nursing anesthesia and medical Spanish. Examples of courses that fall into Category O include research, management, leadership, chemistry, biology and education statistics. If selected for audit, submit photocopy of formal transcript or grade report. If the course title or subject is not identifiable as being related to nursing, a course description or brief profile of content should be included.

7 RENEWAL BY CERPS - TOPICS AND ACTIVITIES Category O CERPs Professional Publications Encompasses professional nursing publication. The CCRN s or PCCN s responsibility in the publication may be authorship, co-authorship, or editorial. The item to be published may be a book, chapter in a book, paper, article, abstract, book review, etc. The item may be published in a book, journal, professional organization s national or local newsletter, etc. Professionally authored multimedia aids are acceptable. CERPs for joint authorships are determined by dividing the number of CERPs to be awarded by the number of authors. Editorial in a journal Column in a journal Peer review of original research article Article in a local newsletter, AACN chapter newsletter, or AACN News Original research article (peer reviewed) Textbook or chapter editor or publisher Chapter in a book Professionally authored multimedia aids Research abstract Original research article (peer reviewed) Authored textbook (less than 300 pages) Authored textbook (more than 300 pages) Peer review of original research article Journal article (peer reviewed) Journal reviewer (review of articles or book chapters) Book review Unpublished master s thesis Doctoral dissertation Research abstract Serving on editorial board 1 1 per 10 pages (max 30) 1 30 CERPs 60 CERPs 1 10 CERPs 10 CERPs 30 CERPs per board/ If selected for audit, submit description of activity and a copy of the title page and table of contents. Publisher s notice of acceptance for publication should be submitted if CERPs are to be granted before printing. Professional Presentations Encompasses the CCRN s or PCCN s participation as an instructor delivering content to nurses, other healthcare professionals or the public. The presentation must be delivered within a structured framework of teaching/learning. A presentation includes seminars, in-services, skills lab, a clinical conference, patient/family education program, consumer education program, Basic Cardiac Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, AACN chapter educational activities and/or presenting an original paper or poster presentations. The participation may be as a primary instructor, member of a team, guest lecturer, panel participant, etc. Three (3) CERPs are granted for each contact hour of lecture given. Each repeat presentation will be granted one (1) CERP per contact hour for a maximum of two times within a renewal period. FOR EXAMPLE A one-hour presentation that is given three times (one original and two repeat presentations) would earn a maximum of. If the program is co-taught, the number of CERPs to be awarded is determined by dividing CERPs by the number of instructors. A maximum of 10 CERPs will be granted for professional presentations. If selected for audit, submit evidence of participation in the presentation (i.e., brochure, announcement, or written statement) and contact hours. Programs Addressing a Broad Area of Healthcare and/or Individualized Continuing Education Encompasses programs that address a broad area of healthcare and continuing education activities planned to meet the individual nurse s potential for professional growth. Programs addressing a broad area of healthcare content, which includes, but is not limited to, public policy, leadership, management, performance appraisals, effecting change, assertiveness, publishing, stress management, burnout and legal aspects Development of a written learning module for use by healthcare providers, consumers, patients or families Committee involvement in health-related organizations The program must define a continuing education credit as one (1) contact hour, which is equivalent to one (1) CERP, or the program must use the recognized value of CERP. Committee involvement in professional nursing or health-related organizations continued

8 RENEWAL BY CERPS - TOPICS AND ACTIVITIES Product #8254 Revised 09/08 Committee involvement in professional nursing or health-related organizations If selected for audit, submit photocopy of CE certificate. The CE certificate must contain your name, date(s) of attendance, title of course and contact hours. If the program was not formally granted contact hours, submit all of the following: written verification of attendance, including name of participant, date(s) of attendance, title of course and hours of the course (minus breaks and lunch), signed by educator or course director. to Improve Care in the Clinical Setting Encompasses all activities that serve to define, assist, or promote the systematic improvement of patient care in the clinical setting. These projects should assist the nurse in maintaining or improving the safety, accuracy, or efficiency of patient care. Revisions of previously existing items are acceptable. Each activity will be considered on an individual basis. CERPs are granted based on the activity, not the number of hours spent on an activity. Developing best practices or standard nursing care plans for specific patient populations; original authorship Developing evaluation tools based on outcome criteria in behavioral terms; original authorship Developing or revising nursing policy, procedure or protocols; original authorship Designing nursing history or patient assessment forms; original authorship Designing informational aids intended for use as references in the clinical area per project Designing patient educational aids, booklets, or audiovisual projects Serving on committees: audit, policy and procedure, resuscitation review, standards of practice, continuing education, etc. Preceptorship (80 hours of preceptorship is required for CERPs to be granted) Quality Improvement Minimum of 8 hours of QI (audit) activities is required for CERPs to be granted. Research Minimum of 8 hours of research activities is required for CERPs to be granted. per project per committee 6 CERPs If selected for audit, submit written verification of project, activity or committee involvement, including date(s). Professional Memberships Membership in a professional healthcare organization. Current membership in a professional healthcare organization (e.g., AACN, ANA, etc.) /per organization (max 6 CERPs ) If selected for audit, submit either a photocopy of membership card or written verification from the organization. Volunteer Encompasses activities related to volunteer work in conjunction with an established volunteer service or nonprofit organization. These activities involve healthcare delivery, community service, or national committee membership. The volunteer activity should be performed outside the nurse s salaried position. Community service projects must be healthcare related and involve nursing clinical judgment. Each activity will be considered on an individual basis. AACN Board Advisory Team Chapter Advisory Team Learning Connection Mentor 1 Review Panel (e.g., grant, abstract, scholarship) Think Tank Work Group Participation in leadership responsibilities or committee involvement on a chapter/ regional level Participation on an AACN Certification Corporation Committee or Task Force (Practice Analysis, Item Writer, Exam Development, SAE or Practice Exam Reviewer) Participation on an Appeal Panel Volunteering in a healthcare mission (e.g., Flying SAMS, Project Concern, health fairs, manning a first aid booth at a community event). Activity must utilize nursing clinical judgment. Participation as an AACN Ambassador 10 CERPs 10 CERPs 8 CERPs 30 CERPs 1 CERP per hour (max per year) CERPs are granted based on the activity, not the number of hours spent on the activity. If selected for audit, submit the following: Evidence of participation in the volunteer activity (written verification from the sponsoring organization) Written documentation (brochure) of the volunteer organization s (non AACN) values and mission statement