Jacqueline Stewart, RN, CEN
BCEN Board

Some of the best phrases I know contain the word “once”: So many good stories begin with “Once Upon a Time”, great opportunities come along “Once in a Lifetime” and special events may only happen “Once in a Blue Moon.” How often do we adventure-loving, risk-taking emergency nurses declare “I’ll try anything once!”? Although few musicians can match Stevie Wonder’s classic, “For Once in My Life.” I know that it is truly music to the ears of a CEN^® to hear the word “once” describe the number of times they need to pass a test in order to earn the CEN credential.

"Once upon a time", each and every recertification (aka CEN Renewal Option or CEN-RO) was done by sitting for a proctored examination. Do you remember when every other recertification was by means of examination? That’s history, too! Now, once you’ve successfully passed your initial CEN examination, you are eligible to recertify by one of three methods and the way you choose to recertify is up to you! Yes, a test that is once in a lifetime!

Recertification is about validating continuing, current knowledge required to provide specialized emergency nursing care. Since most educators agree that there is more than one way to learn, BCEN has recognized the need to address different learning styles. For some students, reading, listening, and discussing concepts are the most effective learning tools while others (and I count myself in this group!) do best with a “hands-on” approach. Still others enjoy the challenge analyzing actions to better understand and apply the scientific principles.

So what are these recertification options and how do you decide which is best for you?

The first option for recertification is by earning continuing education units. CEUs are a popular method of recertification for many professionals, including CEN. This option is perfect for nurses who live or work in areas and/or institutions that offer frequent learning activities. Do you learn better in a classroom setting? Do you have access to current journals and/or the Internet? These are all great places to earn continuing education credit to apply toward your CEN. Be selective, though, and seek out information on a variety of topics. If you love caring for trauma patients, read a research article on HEELP syndrome. If you’re the “go-to” nurse in your ED when it comes to interpreting dysrhythmias, seek out what’s new in the management of acute psychosis, or caring for a patient with dementia. Learn what’s new in the care of those patients or illness you encounter once in a blue moon rather than every day. Remember, it’s about learning, so explore the new over the old, become familiar with the not-too-often-seen, and keep an open mind to discovery and change.

Some CENs welcome the challenge of recertification by examination. Testing is the method whereby they are motivated to stay current in practice and for them, the testing option is still available. These tests are computerized and administered by appointment at designated sites within your state. Occasionally, alternate test sites are approved by BCEN for the administration of a paper and pencil exam so if you’re interested in this option, contact the BCEN office at 847/460-2630 or bcen@ena.org.

The newest choice for CEN renewal is the Internet-Based testing (IBT). This option consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and follows the original CEN outline, only this time, you can look up the answers! The questions are a little more thought-provoking and you will need a resource to answer most of them, but the benefit is that along with recertifying your CEN, you’ll be learning, reviewing, or re-learning the content. A reference list is provided online at www.ena.org/BCEN and you’re free to use any resource. You can apply for this exam online and then take it in the comfort of your home rather than traveling to a testing site. You’ll have a 30-day window to complete the exam which means you can complete it in one sitting, over a weekend, or by just doing a couple questions at a time. If you’re simply tired, need to drive the carpool, spend the day with your grandchildren, or relax with some special friends, simply exit out of the exam and pick up where you left off when you return. You decide. Scores are displayed immediately when you finish, and if you’re successful, you’ll earn 30 CECH toward your next re-certification!

Which method of recertification is best for you? It’s your decision and you can recertify in a different way every time. CEUs? Exam? IBT? I know you will “try anything once!”

The BCEN knows how valuable your CEN credential is to you. As emergency nurses, the CEN redential is part of your professional career.