Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse – CNRN (ABNN)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) certification certifies that a nurse has the knowledge and expertise to properly care for patients with neurological illnesses and trauma. Nurses with this credential may have career advancement opportunities and higher pay that other professionals would not be eligible for.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Ability to identify and assist in treating various degenerative spine diseases and movement disorders
- Ability to identify ischemic strokes
- Knowledge of the developmental stages of the brain and spinal cord
- Understanding of seizures and seizure complications
- Competency in promoting patient self-care and nutrition
- Capability to interpret diagnostic imaging
- Knowledge of ethics and legal considerations
- Familiarity with crisis management and injury prevention
- Proficiency working with patients who have dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Exam Objectives
Download the exam objectives/content outline for the CNRN (ABNN) certification.
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN)
- Prerequisites: Applicants must hold an active RN or APRN license; applicant must have 1+ year of full-time experience in neuroscience nursing within the past 3 years; applicant must be able to read, write and speak English
- Questions: 220
- Time: 140 minutes
- Cost: $300 for AANN members if paying by credit card or $325 if paying by check and $400 for non-members if paying by credit card or $425 if paying by check
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 5 years
- Download the CNRN Handbook / Content Outline
Other relevant details: Exam is given at PSI testing centers
CNRN (ABNN) Careers
Neuroscience Registered Nurse Careers
Jobs you can get with a CNRN certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Certified Neuroscience Registered 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
CNRN (ABNN) Training
Exam Preparation
- Study from the key topics on the Exam Objectives/Content Outline
- Review available study materials
- Consider review courses
- Use flash cards as study aid
- Consider a practice test and self-assessment
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.
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