Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse – CAPA (ABPANC)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) certification certifies that a nurse has the knowledge and expertise to properly care for surgical patients. Nurses with this credential have advanced knowledge in pharmacology, IV skills and basic life support.
Nurses with this credential may have career advancement opportunities and higher pay that other professionals may not be eligible for.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Ability to recognize and respect diversity and the Patient Bill of Rights
- Knowledge of anesthesia expectations and recovery settings
- Willingness to protect the patient from harm by making the appropriate resources available
- Understanding of liability issues in case management
- Competency with discharge care
- Knowledge of confidentiality
- Familiarity with neurological, endocrine, immune, hematologic and urological systems
- Proficiency working in therapeutic environments
Exam Objectives
Download the exam objectives for the CAPA (ABPANC) certification.
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification (ABPANC)
- Prerequisites: Applicants must hold an active RN license; applicant must have at least 1,200 hours, in the last 2 years, of direct clinical experience; other requirements may apply
- Questions: 185
- Time: 180 minutes
- Cost: : $314 for ASPAN members, $424 for non-members
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 3 years
- Download the certification handbook
Other relevant details: Exam is given at PSI testing centers
CAPA (ABPANC) Careers
Perianesthesia Nurse Careers
Jobs you can get with a CAPA (ABPANC) certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Perianesthesia Nurse
Salary (Base Level)
A specialty certification may not only increase your employability, but may increase your earnings potential as well. Keep in mind that your actual salary can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Reference salary for the Registered Nurse (RN) shown. Salary based on 2019 data.
National average per year: $71,730*
National average per hour: $34.48*
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
CAPA (ABPANC) Training
Exam Preparation
- Study from the key topics on the Exam Handbook
- Use the Exam Blueprint as a study guide
- Download and complete sample questions from the ABPANC study app
- Complete practice exams
- Read and review the suggested list of reference books from the ABPANC
Important: This is not a complete list of all certification training and learning options available. Remember to thoroughly research and choose study materials that fit your learning style and needs. This step is crucial to help you succeed in your certification exam.
@Raising Careers Inbox
Like this article? Sign up for our newsletter and we’ll send you a summary of everything new on Raising Careers once a week.