Abstracts

Rationale: Nursing certification is often held as the standard for practice excellence. Currently the only certification available that addresses the certain assessment and disease specific care of persons with seizures and epilepsy is the Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN). This is a comprehensive certification covering neuroscience care across the spectrum and is not specific to epilepsy. In fact, only 30% of items on the examination are dedicated to chronic neurologic disorders which includes epilepsy. Previous gap and cost analysis were completed and while interest was expressed for certification, at this time it was determined that there were not enough nurses with a focused interest in this disease specific entity to support a sustained certification. Therefore, development of an Epilepsy Certificate was initiated. Certificate programs differ from certifications in that they are educational based with knowledge check and pos-assessment testing, versus the test-based certification. Certificate completion does not result in any additional credentials but will demonstrate increased knowledge in the care of patients in a sub-population.

Methods: The American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) along with the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN) worked to delineate responsibilities and create educational resources. Creation of the educational content was the responsibility of AANN with ABNN responsible for development of post-assessment and certificate of added qualification. Co-Editors were identified as subject matter experts to develop content outline. Additional subject matter experts were then identified and assisted in the creation of educational modules. Further collaboration with the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) and American Society of Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist (ASET) provided additional subject matter experts. ABNN identified item writers who were responsible for development of knowledge checks and post assessment.

Results: 8 total modules were developed for the epilepsy certificate. 6 modules were identified as “core” modules while an additional 2 modules were created for those working the NAEC Epilepsy Centers. Those completing modules may earn between 6-9 CE hours based on the modules completed. Based on completion of modules recipients may represent themselves as either a “certificate holder as a Seizure and Epilepsy Healthcare Professional” or a “certificate holder as a Seizure and Epilepsy Healthcare Professional in a Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.”

Conclusions: Nursing care of patients with epilepsy is highly specialized and should be associated with specialized education. The AANN/ABNN Seizure and Epilepsy Certificate program provides standardized education created by subject matter experts from multiple organizations. This represents the new standard in nursing education as it relates to the care of patients with seizures and epilepsy.

Funding: Please list any funding that was received in support of this abstract.: N/A.