NBCSN and National Certification
The National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN) endorses the concept of voluntary certification by examination for all school nurses. Professional certification in school nursing provides an ongoing, quality credentialing process for eligible school nurses.

Certification represents a national standard of preparation, knowledge, and practice. To assist with this recognition, the NBCSN provides the opportunity for school nurses to set the standards for their specialty area through voluntary professional certification. NBCSN has trademarked 'NCSN' as the official credential of the National Certified School Nurse. All candidates successfully completing the national examination are eligible to use this credential. To learn more about NBCSN and the national school nurse certification exam, visit NBCSN's web site at www.nbcsn.com.
 
Certification Preparation

NASN and NBCSN are two separate organizations and NBSCN is the authority on national certification for school nurses.

RESOURCES

Primary

Certification information from the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN) visit http://www.nbcsn.org

Secondary

Certification information from NASN visit http://www.nasn.org/Default.aspx?tabid=292

Watch the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) "My ANCC Certification" Video. This video explains the certification process and inspires nurses to pursue professional excellence through certification. http://www.nursecredentialing.org/CertificationVideo.aspx

NBCSN does not sanction or recommend any commercial study guide or program of study.

However, suggestions for reviewing for the NBCSN certification exam are as follows:

· Make your own electronic flash cards at http://www.flashcardexchange.com/

· Create a study group with other nurse candidates

· Use your own nursing books and NASN resources listed in the test booklet

· NASN Certification Review book visit: https://portal.nasn.org/members_online/members/viewitem.asp?item=S007&catalog=MAN&pn=1&af=NASN

· School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text visit: https://portal.nasn.org/members_online/members/viewitem.asp?item=S004&catalog=MAN&pn=1&af=NASN

· ASD nurses may borrow review books and resources from Health Services 742-4136. Nurses from other school districts may find their district has a similar library system.

· A practice exam via the NBCSN site for a fee visit: http://www.nbcsn.com/examdefault.htm#Practice_Test

 

 

· Pacific Lutheran University is offering an online course to prepare school nurses for taking the NBCSN exam visit: http://www.plu.edu/ccnl/nbcsn-review/home.php or contact Brandi Monson by phone 253-535-7683, fax 253-535-7590 or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For questions about becoming a nationally certified school nurse (NCSN), please email our NBCSN Liaison, Rebecca Hansen, RN, NCSN at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ASD NBCSN renewal only - As of August 2011, Ginger Moser, in Human Resources (HR) will be the contact person This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for nurses who are renewing their application for the nationally certified bonus; fax a copy of your renewed NBCSN certificate with the new effective dates to Ginger Moser in HR at 742-4176. Here is a link with the NBCSN renewal instructions http://nbscn.org/recertification.htm Only 75 CEUs related to school nursing practice are required for renewal. Must renew 60 days prior to certification expiration date.

ASD Nurses to apply for the initial NBCSN bonus, click the link on the left-side column under certification called ASD NBCSN Cert Required for more information and application form. 200 CEUs (not college credits) are required for the initial application. It is recommended to apply by October 28th of the current school year, but no later than May 1st, for the following school year. Also, there are no reimbursements for the exam or recertification fees.

 

Certified Nurses Day is March 19. Here are some links to give more important details on this day. http://www.certifiednursesday.org/ and http://www.pncb.org/ptistore/control/about/certifiednursesday

See who is nationally certified by state. All our Alaska certified nurse's are listed in the pull down menu under certification. http://www.nbcsn.org/ncsn/default.aspx