Transcript Renewal by Synergy CERPs

Renewal by
Synergy CERPs
Aligning Certification Renewal
with Clinical Practice
Completion of
Renewal Transition

January 2007 – December 2009: dual
renewal process
– Renewal by CERPs
– Renewal by Synergy CERPs


January 2010 - renewal by Synergy CERPs
Purpose
– Synergy Model used as exam framework for
CCRN since 1999 and for development of PCCN
– Synergy CERP renewal matches the competency
practice of today’s acute and critical care nurse
Reasons for Changes

Consistency between certification and
certification renewal in terms of:
– Framework - AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care
(Synergy Model)
– Emphasis on clinical judgment
 80% on exam (CCRN and PCCN)
 25% required for current Renewal by CERPs

To better prepare nurses for the future
Synergy CERP Facts
Applies to CCRN and PCCN Renewal by
CERPs programs
 CCNS, CMC, CSC will have changes in
renewal language, but it will not change
the actual requirements
 Actual number of CERPs will remain the
same (100 in 3 years)

Synergy Model
Clinical
Inquiry
Clinical
Judgment
Collaboration
Caring
Practices
Nurse
Competencies
Systems
Thinker
Advocacy and
Moral Agency
Response to
Diversity
Facilitation of
Learning
Application of Model
to Renewal

The 8 categories of the Synergy Model
was grouped into 3 Cerp Categories
(A, B, C)
Renewal by
Synergy Categories
Clinical
Judgment
Clinical
Inquiry
Caring
Practices
Collaboration
Advocacy/
Moral
Agency
Systems
Thinking
Response to
Diversity
Facilitation
Of Learning
CERPs
Requirement
100 CERPs total
Category A – 60
Category B – 10
Category C – 10
Additional 20 in any of the 3 categories
Examples of topics
Clinical
Judgment/Inquiry
Caring/Diversity/
Advocacy/Learning
Systems/
Collaboration
Education
Evidence Based Practice
Pathophysiology
Diagnostics
Treatments
Research
Education
Therapeutic Communication
Palliative Care
Spirituality
Safety
Ethics
Education
Disaster Planning
Team building
Healthy Work
Environments Crucial
Conversations
Activities
Audits
Publishing/editing
CCRN/PCCN SAE
Clinical QI/PI Activities
Activities
Precepting
Support Groups
Ethics Committee
Care Conferences
Activities
Professional
Membership
Hospital Committee
FAQ #1
Q: I looked at my CE certificates and they
all don’t say Synergy CERPs. Was all that
education a waste of time?
 A: No, renewal by Synergy CERPs is the
name of the renewal process. Certificates,
transcripts, rosters, etc do not have to
specifically say “synergy CERPs”. You may
use appropriate CE hours, contact hours,
CME, etc.

FAQ #2
Q: My CE certificate does not say whether
it is category A, B, or C. How do I know
how the course will count?
 A: The category is determined from the
course objectives and content. AACN
approved courses offered through the
website, journals, NTI, etc will identify the
category. If it is not identified, you will
identify it if you should be audited.

FAQ #3
Q: Is there any other way to acquire CERPs
besides education?
 A: Yes, go to the renewal handbook for a
complete list of options for Category A, B, C
CERP acquisition which includes recognition
for specific examples:

– Committee work, audits, QI activities,
volunteering, membership, presentations,
editing, writing, safety, precepting/mentoring,
etc.
FAQ #4
Q: I am missing a few more CERPs for
category C. How can I fill this gap?
 A: A quick option is to go to the AACN
website – www.aacn.org

– Under education tab click “continuing education”
– Find the “Synergy CERP” drop down box and
click the letter for the category of choice.
– Complete the course and print the certificate
– And it’s FREE to members!
Summary
100 CERPs required for renewal
 Category A = 60-80 CERPs
– clinical judgment and clinical inquiry
 Category B = 10-30 CERPs
– caring practices, response to diversity,
advocacy and moral agency, facilitation of
learning
 Category C = 10-30 CERPs
– collaboration and systems thinking
Need more help?
Website - www.certcorp.org
 Renewal handbook 
http://www.aacn.org/WD/Certifications/Docs/CCRNPCCN
RenewBook.pdf
E-mail - [email protected]
 Phone - (800) 899-2226
 NTI

– Certification Oasis
– Certification Best Practice Sessions
Facilitator Activity

Resources:
– 3 poster boards or 3 pages from a flip chart. Label one A, the
next one B, the last one C
– 2 packs of sticky notes or 3x5 cards – 2 different colors (will
need tape if you use cards)

Activity
– Use the renewal handbook to identify specific topics, courses,
or activities from each of the 3 categories (as many or as
little as you’d like for your activity and time allotted)
– Write the topic twice – one on each color
– At the conclusion of the presentation, divide the audience in
2 groups and hand one stack of cards/notes to a captain on
each team. Ask the teams to place the card on the correct
category. The team that finishes first, wins.
– Great way to evaluate audience understanding and group
discussion.