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Accepting the CNA Certification Challenge: Our Success Story
by Karen E. Furlong, RN, MN, CNN(C), and Cathy Abric RN, CCN, CNN(C)
In the fall of 2007, nine neuroscience nurses from Saint John, New Brunswick, decided to accept the challenge of writing their CNA certification for neuroscience nursing. All group members have consistently demonstrated an interest in professional development through the engagement in learning activities; however, the formality of writing a national nursing examination was a rather daunting concept. It is for this reason, that we feel compelled to share our recent experiences in preparing for the CNA Neuroscience examination; we are hopeful that through telling our story that other nurses may be inspired to write their nursing specialty certification.
The Essence of Working Together
The development of a study line template was one of first steps in beginning to prepare. Although our initial intent of this guide was to keep us organized, a rather serendipitous result was that it helped us to feel confident that learning the necessary content was a doable goal. As we started our journey, we realized that each of us was balancing a rather complex array of both personnel and professional responsibilities. To make this work, we had to be respectful of the limitations of other group members.
Shift work and study group scheduling struggles are not new (Patry, 2006). It was impossible to find a time when all members would be available. A number of strategies were utilized by the group to minimize stressors associated with scheduling conflicts. Study sessions dates and times were alternated in an attempt to keep all members in touch with the study group. For example, if we became aware that one or two members of the group had recently missed a couple of sessions, we would purposefully schedule the next session at a time that was most convenient for them.
Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
A main reason for our successfulness is directly linked to the genuine interest that was demonstrated by a number of neuroscience team members. Neurosurgeons, neurologists, a paediatrician, and neuroscience nurses within advanced practice roles provided us with numerous opportunities to explore a variety of key concepts. We were amazed by their willingness to assist us with our studies. Such supports were extremely helpful in understanding the content. Of equal importance is that we acquired a great deal of incentive from their ongoing support. We felt inspired to do our very best.
The unit manager for the neuroscience unit, Frances McConnachie, deserves special recognition. As mentioned previously, scheduling learning sessions around shift work was a rather challenging task. When a planned study session included a presentation from one of the previously cited neuroscience team members, Frances attempted to adjust schedules so that all study group members could attend the planned session. Frances also ensured that group members obtained the necessary resources for their studies. She consistently praised us for taking on this challenge. In her eyes, we were “already winners.”
Testimonials
We are thrilled to share with you that all nine of us successfully passed our CNA speciality examination! Although our commitment to nursing excellence was the main impetus for our involvement in the CNA certification process, we have gained so much more both as individuals and as professionals. There is no better way to share the meaningfulness of this learning opportunity than to explore the following group member testimonials:
Christine Aucoin: Getting my certification was definitely something that scared me in the beginning. Having only three years of neuroscience nursing experience compared to other group members who had 10, 15 or more years of experience was a big challenge for me. I really appreciate all the encouraging words and positive thoughts from group members, colleagues, friends and family that have helped me along this incredible journey. I still cannot believe that I am now a certified Neuroscience nurse! All the hard work and long hours really did pay off!
Cathy Abric: Life is more about the journey, and not the destination. A prime example of this was preparing for the CNA exam. It was not all about pass or fail but rather the group experience. We had a lot of fun, learned a vast amount of information and bonded as a result. This is an experience I truly enjoyed and will cherish forever.
Kerry Betts: Working as a team was of great help. Study group sessions provided opportunities for sharing valuable information. Lots of great discussion that usually included emotional support too. This experience has enhanced my relationships with my colleagues.
Rose Butler: Certification was many things for me. Although stressful at times, this experience was rewarding as I gained a great deal of knowledge, and confidence. This experience has inspired me to help other coworkers to accept the CNA challenge. It was no walk in the park, but getting to the finish line is worth it!
Karen Furlong: I feel honoured to have been a part of this valuable learning opportunity. Similar to the testimonials from other study group members, I too have grown both professionally and personally as a result of this experience. As a nurse educator, I am on the neuroscience unit frequently with students from the baccalaureate of nursing program at the University of New Brunswick, Saint John (UNBSJ) campus. I have gained a great deal of respect for this particular group of registered nurses. Their dedication to nursing excellence is truly amazing and I know they have inspired other registered nurses to take on this challenge in the up-coming year. Bravo!!!
Shelley Paul: I was very nervous and apprehensive to go on this journey of certification. I work full-time and have a busy home life, being a mother of two girls. I was not sure that I could add any more to my plate. The guidance, advice, support and encouragement received from my study group (now my good friends) was immeasurable. The entire experience was very fulfilling and rewarding!! I am proud of myself and my study group for this accomplishment!
Trudi Rickard-Lyons: My experience with the study group was positive and enlightening. The wealth of knowledge that we shared was remarkable. I would encourage any of our national peers to consider obtaining their CNA Certification as a group endeavour. The support, encouragement and comradeship will inspire you, as it has me.
Betty Anne Waugh: Although I found the process difficult, I also found it very rewarding. I enjoyed sharing and finding relevant resources with a group that was keen to learn more about neuroscience nursing. I now feel more comfortable teaching new staff and talking to families. What a great feeling to stand in front of the third year UNBSJ Nursing students this year to speak about organ retrieval with so much more confidence. This experience has paid off a hundred fold for me.
In conclusion, we will proudly wear our CNA certification pins! This pin is a symbol of both nursing excellence and collegiality. We know that our success was influenced by our abilities to work collaboratively toward a common goal.
Study Group Participants and the Neuroscience Unit Manager. Back Row Left to Right: Kerry Betts, Tanya Hussey, Karen Furlong, Cathy Abric, Frances McConnachie (neuroscience unit manager) Front Row Left to Right : Christine Aucoin, Shelley Paul, Trudi Rickard-Lyons, Rose Butler, and Betty Anne Waugh. This picture is taken in front of the plaques that list all nurses who have received their CNA speciality certifications. Photographer: Jeff Herc
Karen E. Furlong, RN, MN, CNN(C)
Senior Instructor
Department of Nursing
University of New Brunswick, Saint John
P.O. Box 5050
Saint John, N.B. Canada E2L 4L5
506 648 5720 (w)
506 648 5784 (fax)
kfurlong@unbsj.ca
Cathy Abric RN, CCN, CNN(C)
Neuroscience Resource Nurse
Saint John Regional Hospital
Saint John, NB
AUTHORS’ ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Authors would like to acknowledge the following study group members for their heartfelt contributions: Christine Aucoin, Kerry Betts, Rose Butler, Shelley Paul, Trudi Rickard-Lyons and Betty Anne Waugh. Your testimonials are a true reflection of the benefits of working together in preparing for the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) certification examination.
Reference
Patry, L. A. (2006). Building on what you know. Canadian Nurse, 102(2), 16–21.