RNC indicates certification in a specific area of nursing.
The term RNC means "registered nurse, certified." It reflects certification in a specific area of clinical nursing.
Identification
A registered nurse (RN) typically must have a certain number of work hours and a designated number of continuing education hours in her specialty before taking the certification exam. After passing the exam, she may use the credential RNC after her name.
Types
A nurse may earn his certification in cardiovascular, medical-surgical, gerontological, pediatric, ambulatory care, pain management, perinatal, or psychiatric and mental health nursing.
Significance
It's important to differentiate between a nursing degree and nursing certification. A nursing degree such as a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) reflects successful graduation from an academic program. Certification reflects expertise in a nursing specialty that's validated by an exam.
Considerations
An ADN graduate earns the designation RNC, while nurses with a BSN earn the designation RN-BC for the same specialties.
Potential
Many hospitals reward certified nurses financially by bonuses or a higher pay scale. According to All Nursing Schools, certified nurses earn $9,200 a year more than non-certified colleagues.
Tags: certification specific, certification specific area, certified nurses, nursing degree, registered nurse