Which certification is right for me?
The American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) sponsors the Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse and the Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse programs:
CPAN certification is appropriate for PACU nurses
who care for patients in Postanesthesia Phase 1.
RNs who care for patients in the Preanesthesia phase, Day of Surgery/Procedure, and Postanesthesia Phase II may seek CAPA certification.
Surgical Staging RNs also have the option of obtaining certification in
ambulatory nursing (RN-BC) from the American Academy of Ambulatory
Care Nursing (AAACN).
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Am I eligible to become Certified?
Eligibility Requirements:
- A current unrestricted Registered Nurse license
- Candidates applying for CPAN or CAPA certification must have a minimum of 1,800 hours of direct perianesthesia clinical experience during the two (2) years prior to application.
- Candidates applying for Board Certification must have 2,000 hours of clinical practice and 30 hours of continuing education in ambulatory care nursing within the last three years .
- Submission of a complete, online examination application.
- Successful completion of the certification examination.
Please note: A BSN degree is NOT required for certification!