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AMB-BC: Certification

  • 1.  AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 01-08-2025 12:29

    Hello everyone,

    I wanted to inquire whether your organizations require nurses to obtain certification once they meet the necessary requirements. If so, do you offer any incentives upon 

    successful completion of the exam? 

    As my workplace is undergoing changes and expanding into different departments, I believe this could be a valuable initiative. I also aim to present this in a way that is motivating

    for our team. 

    Thank you for your insights! 



    ------------------------------
    Rosie BSN,RN
    Clinical Nurse Educator
    Chicago, IL
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 01-09-2025 08:00

    Hi Roseanne,

    We do not require the certification but do highly encourage it. With that said if it is their first certification, they receive a monetary bonus and a step increase. If it is their second certification, they receive a monetary bonus but no step. The AMB-BC certification also helps for RNs who are working towards promotions. Hope this helps.

     

    Tina Silano-Willis BSN, RN, AMB-BC, CCM

    The Villages VA




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  • 3.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 01-09-2025 22:41

    As part of a Magnet designated healthcare system, all RNs are highly encouraged to become certified and maintain certification. Certification is also built into the RN CAP program which is the clinical ladder for RNs.  Nurses are awarded a $2500 yearly bonus for certification. There is no longer a bonus for an additional certification. Nurses also can submit for reimbursement of the test fee and also for the renewal of their certification. 



    ------------------------------
    Diane Resnick RN-BC, MPA
    Manager, Jersey Shore Family Health Center
    Hackensack Meridian Health
    Jersey Shore University Medical Center
    Neptune , New Jersey 07753
    732-740-9834 Cell
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 01-10-2025 06:59
    Unfortunately, they offer a measly pay incentive. However, the cost of the study materials, exam and possibly pre-test if you want to be prepared are a great upfront expense and can be a deterrent.


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  • 5.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 01-11-2025 07:23
    Up until recently I worked in a family practice that is part of a system wide organization. The practice is under a particular hospital within that system. The hospital asked me back in 2018 if I had any certifications. I was happy to tell them that I had just achieved my ambulatory care certification in October 2017. The hospital was pursuing Magnet recognition so every nurse certification was a plus for them.

    I wrongly assumed that the hospital would then give me a pay differential for having my certification as they do for the RN's who work within the hospital. 

    I was told that out patient RN's were not eligible for this differential. I told them that was a shame as I AM an employee of that hospital.

    I even had a practice director tell me that she didn't see a "value" in having the certification.

    So to say that I felt deflated is an understatement. 

    Don't worry I am still proud of my certification and have no regrets. It is of VERY high value to me.

    I'm wondering if anyone else out there in the USA has had this type of experience. 

    Have a great weekend, Karen 





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  • 6.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 01-11-2025 12:48

    Achieving AMB-BC is a rigorous undertaking and like other Specialty Certifications, confirms the nurse's knowledge above and beyond. ANCC Certifications signify to our patients, colleagues and other disciplines our commitment to providing the best of ourselves within the populations we serve. 


    Those of us with AMB-BC must lead evidence-based practices within the populations we serve. We must align ourselves with the needs of our profession, the population of patients we serve  and the mission of the organizations that employ us. What practice or even regulatory requirement can we own/elevate? What are the gaps in our patients care? What are the gaps in our profession? What are we passionate about improving??


    We must demonstrate our value in the many ways available to us as the expert nurses we are. We must be valued and supported more than monetary reimbursements. AMB-BC matters and it is up to us to demonstrate the value/investment. 


    Deb Cantlin, RN, MSN, CHFN






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  • 7.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 01-11-2025 13:54
    Thank you Deborah. 

    Your response is exactly what I think and feel about the certification.






    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 01-29-2025 12:39

    Karen,

    I am glad you see and understand the value in certification and hate that those you are working with do not understand or see that. 

    I'm going to do some digging (I keep saying I need a prop shovel in my office as much metaphorical "digging" as I do) as see what I can find. I know there is a lot of literature out there about the value of certification but the outcomes deal more with the inpatient nurse (failure to rescue, mortality, etc...). I know we can tie in the patient satisfaction piece, but wonder how the other components can tie in with ambulatory or if there is data out there now (or can be compared) to the ambulatory world. Maybe it's there and I've just overlooked it or don't remember seeing it yet, but I know I need to get my hands on it too!



    ------------------------------
    Andrea Kelly MSN, RN, NPD-BC
    ECU Health Physicians (formerly Vidant Medical Group)
    Greenville NC
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 01-29-2025 12:53
      |   view attached

    Something like this from the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN)??

     

    If you look under AAACN's Certification tab, you will find:

     

     

    Again, I'd like us/Ambulatory nurses to define and speak to outcomes directly from our AMB-BC. The Donabedian model helps us speak to outcomes  related to our practice. Check out the NSI SIG Forum for details and some examples.

     

    Deb

     

     

    Deborah L. Cantlin, MSN, RN, CHFN

    Nurse Educator-Professional Practice

    Center for  Nursing Excellence

    Pronouns (She/Her)

    603 650 6746

     

     

     

     




    Attachment(s)

    pdf
    chfn_pathways_to_excellence_.pdf   1.54 MB 1 version
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  • 10.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 02-01-2025 12:58
    My good friend Tara Whitmire is on the AAHFN Board as the immediate past president. It is an amazing organization.  Reach out to her too, she is quite the expert!  
    Terry 

    Teresa (Terry) L Anderson, EdD, MSN, RN, NE-BC
    Owner/CEO
    Oculi Data
     A Nurse-Sensitive Indicator National Benchmarking Database
    'Keeping an Eye on Nursing Quality'
    Mobile: 402-679-1551
    Office:   702 Hackberry Road
                  Omaha, Nebraska 68132
                  531-466-8641



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  • 11.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 02-04-2025 06:31

    Yes I paid for all my own resources and did not get any bonus or pay increase for my certification either. But I too am proud of my accomplishments!



    ------------------------------
    Amber McClure BSN RN AMB-BC
    IU Health
    Westfield IN
    (317) 565-3224
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 02-05-2025 06:41
    Regarding the hospital organization who would not recognize the RN Certification, (Karen Hunter's submission), ironically, if that organization desires Magnet Certification, their treatment and value of All the RN's is a factor. If this organization does not have shared leadership RN led committees to advocate for changes and cannot demonstrate RN Satisfaction or excellent patient outcomes, any Magnet Certification is questionable.
    I worked within our hospital for several years before transferring to the ambulatory care practice and advocated frequently for the same benefits and treatments and overall inclusion. The Nurse Manager for the ambulatory groups was very outspoken on our behalf.

    Our nurses can submit requests for reimbursement for study supplies, for joining Nursing Organizations, and there is a pay raise for obtaining BSN, and for obtaining a specialty Certification. 

    Keep on striving for excellence in nursing!
    Marlene Brynes, BSN, RN.



    Original Message


  • 13.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 02-05-2025 09:45

    Thank you Marlene.

    I felt powerless when I kept asking about the pay differential for my certification and was told that I was not entitled to it since I didn't work "within the hospital ".

    It's nice to know that there are RN's like yourself who can advocate for ambulatory care/outpatient nurses who work under hospitals within healthcare systems.

    I left a job that I loved in primary care recently because of assorted issues and I am returning to a hospital setting as a P.AT. RN. I am going to ask about pay differential for my certification. I'm not sure if that will make a difference because I am not in an outpatient setting. But the patients I will be dealing with are "ambulatory " as they won't be admitted at that point. It involves making sure that we have a complete medical and surgical history, allergy list, medication reconciliation, EKG/CXR/lab tests, and medical/cardiac/pulmonary clearances as needed. Patient education as well. 

    I am wondering if there are any other P.AT. RN's out there in our AAACN group. Are you in outpatient settings or within a hospital? 

    Do any of you have any recommendations or advice for me as I am entering a new career experience?

    BTW Happy Ambulatory Care Nurses Week to you all, Karen 




    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 02-05-2025 10:07

    Our outpatient primary care and specialty physician practices fall under a larger healthcare organization in our region.

     

    Our system participates in the ANCC Success Pays Program for Nursing Certification which includes our AAACN AMB-BC certification as an option, along with some other specialty certifications. This program pays for the exam costs by providing a code to be entered at the time of registering to sit for the exam – additionally, if the nurse is unsuccessful their first attempt, they will cover a second attempt. Our organization also gives our nurses access to the NurseBuilders platform for continuing education and certification exam prep – the AAACN-published exam prep materials are on this platform. We do not currently offer scholarships or incentives to cover the exam prep course offered by AAACN, unfortunately.

     

    While I know that this sort of program may not be as accessible to a private practice or group as much as it is for a larger organization, this has been helpful for us to remove barriers for our nurses in the Ambulatory and outpatient settings to obtain their certification.

     

    While our system no longer offers a "clinical ladder," or increased pay for obtaining certification, we do have a professional development recognition program in which obtaining and maintaining certification counts towards an accumulation of activities which makes the nurse eligible twice a year for a recognition bonus that is anywhere from $1250-$2500 depending on the nurse's engagement and involvement in their own professional development (including certifications and advanced educational degrees), mentorship, councils, or other activities which support the mission and vision of our organization in serving our community. All nurses may participate so long as they are in front-line, direct patient care and in good standing (we even allow our part time and pool nurses to participate if they meet minimum working hours requirements).

     

    These programs have increased our rate of certification (currently in our outpatient medical group, over 80% of our combined nurses and nurse practitioners are certified), as well as engagement in our nurse and multidisciplinary councils and taskforces.

     

    Jessica Schonefeld, MSN, RN, AMB-BC
    Sr. Director, Clinical Practice Optimization

    Clinical Administration
    Orlando Health Medical Group (OHMG)

    1417 South Kuhl Avenue, 5th Floor, #503 | MP 149 | Orlando, FL 32806

     




    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 02-05-2025 16:26

    My place of employment does value the AMB-BC certification and others especially since we are a Magnet hospital.

     

    They paid for my initial study course via the AAACN many years ago but I took it again, years later, and had to pay myself.

     

    They do reimburse one recertification fee each year. I had already received reimbursement for my CPN so could not request it for my AMB-BC.

     

    They do not give a pay increase for the certification but when it comes around to annual raises they have been very generous with me.

     

     

    Rhonda Edwards, BSN, RN, AMB-BC, CPN

    Texas Children's Hospital                                          

    Spina Bifida Nurse - Clinical Care Center 

    Office #: 832-822-3317                                                           

    Chair – AAACN Staff/Patient Education SIG

     

    Nominate an MA/ASR Sunflower today!  The QR code is below.

     

     

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  • 16.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 01-27-2025 21:29

    Hi!

    I recently obtained my certification, and there was no incentive or pay increase. However, my organization reimbursed me for my certification exam fees, and I received recognition within the organization formally through our nursing newsletter and practice council. 

    A monetary bonus would certainly be an incentive to encourage others.

    My supervisor obtained the certification and was a cheerleader for me to do so as well. 

    She played a huge role in encouraging me and supporting my goals.

    My incentive was a professional goal, as many in my organization do not hold this certification.

    Additionally, felt it showed my value, desire to grow professionally, and demonstrate leadership (whether it was informal or formal) within my company. 

    I would love to hear how ambulatory certification is valued within your organization. 

    Best, 

    Cat 



    ------------------------------
    Caterina Landry RN
    Kelsey Seybold
    Pearland TX
    (832) 603-7727
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 17.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 01-29-2025 11:20

    Congratulations on obtaining your AMB-BC! I think it's great you received support from your manager and were reimbursed for study materials and testing. I'd like to see AMB-BC Nurses take us to the next level. What evidence-based practice, gap in patient care or quality/safety  measures are we leading? How are we practicing differently than Ambulatory Nurses who do not hold AMB-BC?? Also, how can we demonstrate to our employers that we should?

     

    I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas!

     

    Deb

     

     

    Deborah L. Cantlin, MSN, RN, CHFN

    Nurse Educator-Professional Practice

    Center for  Nursing Excellence

    Pronouns (She/Her)

    603 650 6746

     

     

     

     




    Original Message


  • 18.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 01-30-2025 13:57

    Hello all- I am in the process of obtaining my certification and am just in the research phase.  Any advice or study apps or resources would be greatly appreciated!  

    Jodi Primo 

    Clinical Educator



    ------------------------------
    Jodi Dickson RN
    Skagit Regional Health
    Lake Stevens WA
    (360) 814-7373
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 19.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 02-06-2025 09:12

    Hello,

    II understand this is an ambulatory care certification but I'm trying to figure out what the BC stands for.  Nurses in our setting who decide to get a cert get a $1.00 raise and if they get a BSN-Rn they get $1.50 raise which I do not think is enough incentive for all the work.  Just get two certs. 



    ------------------------------
    Stacey Davis RN
    Nantucket Cottage Hospital
    Nantucket MA
    (774) 325-6621
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 20.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 02-06-2025 09:42

    Per the ANA website:

    Ambulatory Care Nurse – Board Certified (AMB-BC™).

     

    Again, I will say that those of us who have gone through the rigor and achieved this certification should be leading best practices within the populations that we serve. There should be a distinction in our practice as well as our pay. It's up to us to lead and/or advocate for this.

     

    Deb

     

     

    Deborah L. Cantlin, MSN, RN, CHFN

    Nurse Educator-Professional Practice

    Center for  Nursing Excellence

    Pronouns (She/Her)

    603 650 6746

     

     

     




    Original Message


  • 21.  RE: AMB-BC: Certification

    Posted 02-07-2025 11:27

    Hi - I'm part of the faculty that teaches the Amb Certification Review course……and have been certified for 25 years( even that sounds old to me). I'm also  a strong supporter of  nurses becoming certified for several reasons.   

    1. ANCC on its website has a summary report that indicates Certification holds significant value for nurse and then lists key descriptor points supporting.    So research exists  and you can find it under ANCC research that validates certification……

    And 2 I always say " certification is the "  gift you give yourself"   and your patients and your employer.   Becoming certified demonstrates that you value yourself enough to become certified , which validates your competence and confidence in delivering care.  It's NOT easy - it's a rigorous exam- but the patients you care for have become increasingly more rigorous as well( everyone has at least 3 co-morbidities- except newborns, maybe)….. but that speaks to the concept that "staying current is so important" - and I believe that Certified nurses know and act on that.  Every patient begins and returns to ambulatory care environment!   You're critical to patient's understanding what todo and what's next."

    3 The frustration over costs is real - and challenging and long standing - and has been a forever problem.  I think you make the case  at your Performance Eval  - bringing / weaving ANCC data as support.   A strategy to consider.

    4. AAACN conference  ( in San Diego) is hosting  the Amb certification review course !   The faculty are there to teach and cheerlead your success in becoming certified .  ( translation: you can contact us after returning home - when studying for exam- and we will coach you to clarify / understand any part of course   - to success) 

    thank you- have a great weekend     E Mary Johnson  

                                                              CRC  Coordinator & faculty 

     m

    is offering a Amb Certification Review Course



    ------------------------------
    E. Mary Johnson BSN AMB-BC NE-BC
    Career Coach for Nurses - Patient Navigator - Educator
    Macedonia OH
    (330) 467-6214
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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