CNS Wellness through Acute Care Neonatal – ACCNS-N (AACN)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The CNS Wellness through Acute Care Neonatal (ACCNS-N) certification is an entry-level certification for clinical nurse specialists who have a graduate degree. Clinical nurse specialists with this certification have the skills and expertise to provide all-inclusive care for neonatal patients.
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 interpret hemodynamic valves
- Understand how to insert peripherally inserted central catheters
- Knowledge of how to manage patients with exchange transfusions
- Understanding of how to avoid surgical site infections
- Competency completing comprehensive patient histories and assessments
- Capability to interpret diagnostic imaging
- Knowledge of how to provide wound care
- Familiarity with ethics and knowledge of resources for ethical concerns
- Proficiency working with a team of specialists, in addition to the patient’s family
Exam Objectives
Download Exam Objectives and Handbook
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
- Prerequisites: Applicants must hold an active RN or APRN license; applicants must have completed a graduate-level advanced practice education program as a neonatal clinical nurse specialist. View the handbook for specific eligibility requirements.
- Questions: 175
- Time: 210 minutes
- Cost: Cost: $255 for AACN members and $360 for non-members
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 3 years
- Exam Outline and Handbook
Other relevant details: Exam is given at PSI/AMP testing centers
ACCNS-N (AACN) Careers
Clinical Nurse Specialist Careers
Jobs you can get with a ACCNS-N (AACN) certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical Nurse Specialist Salary
The actual salary can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Specialized certifications can result in substantially higher salaries in some cases. 2019 data shown.
National average per year: $113,930
National average per hour: $54.78
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
ACCNS-N (AACN) Training
Exam Preparation
- Study from the key topics on the exam objectives and handbook
- Review practice questions
- Read and review the AACN suggested books here and here
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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