RN Test Prep Program for Certification in Gerontological Nursing
IHCA Foundation 2012 Scholarship Program

IHCA ICAL is pleased to announce the availability of 10 IHCA Foundation scholarships for the RN Test Prep Program for Certification in Gerontological Nursing being offered through AHCA/NCAL and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). The RN Test Prep Program is an online learning course that prepares RNs to pass the Gerontological Certification Exam and attain national certification as a Geronotological Nurse (RN-BC).

About the RN Test Prep Program and Gerontological Certification Exam

The course focuses on nursing assessment and management of older adults experiencing normal aging changes as well as major health problems and diseases. The course:

· Emphasizes communicating with older adults as individuals in therapeutic ways, with consideration of diversity and unique needs

· Focuses on the role of the expert gerontological nurse – as the leader of the nursing care team, collaborator with other team members, educator of patients and staff.

· Provides a broad foundation of clinical knowledge and skills that prepares RNs for ANCC Certification Exam in Gerontological Nursing.

The program is drawing rave reviews from long term care and assisted living facility owners, administrators and the nurse participants. Evaluations by participating nurses indicate an:

1. Enhanced RN-BC (board-certified) credential — greater sense of professional achievement and respect from physicians, other nurses, staff and administrators.

2. Favorable perception of sponsoring facility — stronger intent to remain with firm.

3. Significant increase in job confidence, self-esteem and procedures assuredness.

4. High satisfaction with Gero Prep training — 94.4%.

5. ANCC Gerontological Nursing Certification Exam pass rate of 96%.

In addition to successful completion the RN Test Prep Program, the eligibility criteria for taking the Gerontological Certification exam includes:

· Current active RN licensure in a U.S. state or territory — or the legally recognized equivalent in another country.

· Two years full-time practice as a RN.

· A minimum of 2,000 hours of gerontological nursing practice in last 3 years.

· Completion of 30 hours of continuing education in gerontological nursing within last 3 years — fully satisfied by this Gero Prep certification training program.

To learn more about the RN Test Prep Program and the ANCC Geriatric Nurse Certification exam, visit the AHCA/NCAL website Gero Nurse Prep http://www.ahcancal.org/quality_improvement/GeroNursePrep/Pages/default.aspx page and or view the informational webinar at http://webmedia.unmc.edu/nursing/geroprep/main2.html.

For more information on the application process for the IHCA Foundation scholarships available to IHCA ICAL member facilities’ RN employees, see the RN Test Prep Program Scholarship Application.



RN Test Prep Program

2012 Scholarship Application

The IHCA Foundation is offering 10 scholarships for a RN Test Prep Program for Certification in Gerontological Nursing being offered through AHCA/NCAL and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). The scholarship will go toward the cost of course enrollment, textbook, and certification exam, up to $1,000.

$400 Course price (registered through IHCA/ICAL)
$90 Textbook price
$395 Gerontological Nurse Certification exam fee
$885 Total cost

The scholarships will be awarded to Registered Nurses who work at IHCA ICAL member facilities. Two will be awarded in EACH district and two at-large scholarships will be awarded. The Registered Nursing must submit the scholarship application signed by the facility administrator and a copy of the applicant’s nursing license. Recipients will be expected to:

· Enroll in the online course and receive the textbook.

· Complete the course’s 10-modules, special activities and tests.

· Upon completion, earn 30 ANCC continuing education contact hours.

· Take the ANCC Geriatric Nurse Certification exam.

· Notify IHCA/ICAL and UNMC and receive recognition.

· The course and exam must be completed within one year of the student’s initial course registration date. (IHCA will initiate the course registration date on approximately April 1, 2012.)

Nurse eligibility criteria to take the ANCC Geriatric Nurse Certification exam:

1. Current active RN licensure in a U.S. state or territory — or the legally recognized equivalent in another country.

2. Two years full-time practice as a RN.

3. Minimum of 2,000 hours of gerontological nursing practice in last 3 years.

4. Completion of 30 hours of continuing education in gerontological nursing within last 3 years — fully satisfied by this Gero Prep certification training program.

The first three eligibility criteria must be met to be eligible to apply for the IHCA Foundation scholarship.

The completed application and copy of the nominee’s nursing license should be submitted to IHCA Foundation, 1775 90th St., West Des Moines, IA 50266-1563, by Thursday, March 1, 2012.

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RN Test Prep Program

Scholarship Application

Nominee Information (type or print clearly)

Nominee’s name ____________________________________________________________ _

RN license no. ________________________ Years in RN practice ______________________

Hours in geriatric nursing practice in past 3 years ________________________________ _ __

Job Title/Position ____________________________________________ _______ ___ _

E-mail ________________________________________ Day phone (______) _____________

Administrator Information

Administrator name ____________________________________________________________

Job title _________________________ __________ Day phone (______) _____________

E-mail ______________________________________________ Fax (______) _____________

Facility Information

Name _______________________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________ State _________ ZIP _______________

The facility administrator must sign below to certify the nominee has completed the required two years full-time practice as a RN and the minimum of 2,000 hours of gerontological nursing practice in the last 3 years.

I certify that the ____________________________ has completed the required two years full-time practice as a RN and the minimum of 2,000 hours of gerontological nursing practice within the last 3 years.

______________________________________________ ____________________________________

Administrator signature Job Title

_________________________________________________________ _________________________

Facility name Date

The completed application and copy of the nominee’s nursing license should be submitted to IHCA Foundation, 1775 90th St., West Des Moines, IA 50266-1563, by Thursday, March 1, 2012.

IHCA ICAL RN Gero Nurse Scholarship 01132012 2