Deck 13: The Certification Question: Where Are We

Question 1

One of the main purposes of certification is to ________.

A) identify a specialty area
B) evaluate practice skills
C) assess competency after licensure
D) assess knowledge after graduating

Answer 1

C
Explanation: According to Chism, certification helps to assess and ensure continued competency after initial licensure.

Question 2

Which of the following does NOT characterize the value and purpose of ANCC certification?

A) It ensures standardize patient care.
B) It is an indicator of a nurse's abilities.
C) It validates a nurse's knowledge.
D) It is an indicator of a nurse's expertise to others.

Answer 2

A
Explanation: An exam cannot ensure standardized patient care because it only tests for knowledge and potential applied skills; it cannot substantiate what a nurse actually does in practice.

Question 3

Currently, the ANCC offers all of the following types of certifying exams, EXCEPT ________?

A) two international certifications
B) 27 specialty certifications
C) eight clinical nurse specialist certifications
D) 10 nurse practitioner certifications

Answer 3

A
Explanation: Currently, the ANCC offers 27 specialty certifications, eight clinical nurse specialist certifications, and 10 nurse practitioner certifications.

Question 4

How did the majority respond to the question "What do you envision as the desired future for certification for those holding a DNP degree" on the ANCC DNP survey results?

A) To have at least three exams
B) To have individual state exams
C) To have a two-stage certifying exam
D) To have one comprehensive certifying exam

Question 5

Because the ABCC Diplomate of Comprehensive Care certification exam is not regulated by the ANCC, it is ________.

A) soon to be recognized by the AACN as a state exam for DNPs
B) only recognized by the AACN as a national exam for DNPs
C) only recognized as a state certifying exam for DNPs
D) not recognized as a national certifying exam for DNPs

Question 6

Although the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation is standardized, it focuses on specialties and so cannot ________.

A) be used as a state certifying exam for DNPs
B) be transferred to different states
C) be used as a national certifying exam for DNPs
D) be identified as a title or credential

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT one of the goals of the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation?

A) Easier to transfer credentials to different states
B) More independence in career
C) Improve practice standards
D) Standardizing nursing practice

Question 8

After noting who you believe should be the participants (at least three types with their roles/titles) involved in creating a standardized exam for DNP graduates, evaluate what each of the stakeholders would likely promote as their position on creating a DNP certification exam:
Who would vote for or against?
Who would think it should be mandatory?
Who would think it should be voluntary?
How often would each think the exam should be required (if it should be required)?
Any other the factors ought this group consider.
Responses should be one to two paragraphs in length.
Tips: You can first note the positions of the at least three participants, then evaluate their position for each question: why would each participant likely respond or vote the way you predict?

Question 9

Critique the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation; should it be a model for certifying DNP graduates? Why or why not?
Responses should be one to two paragraphs in length.
Tips: You would do well to first describe the Model, and then evaluate its purpose and whether or not you believe it would be a sound model for certifying DNPs. Support your rationale.

Question 10

Evaluate the purpose of American Board of Comprehensive Care's certifying exam. Do you believe it should be used as a/the national certification exam for all DNP graduates? Provide support for your rationale. Would you take the ABCC exam after you graduate from the DNP program? Why or why not? Responses should be one to two paragraphs in length.
Tips: The ABCC has a voluntary exam for DNP graduates, but it is an independent body not overseen by the organizations that certify APRNs. When you evaluate the ABCC's DNP exam, take several factors into consideration, and provide support for your rationale.