BCEN

The BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN®) certification is a nationally recognized credential for registered nurses who specialize in emergency nursing. Offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), the CEN demonstrates expertise in providing high-quality, evidence-based emergency care to patients in fast-paced and critical situations.

The CEN exam tests a nurse’s knowledge of trauma, cardiac, respiratory, neurological, gastrointestinal, obstetric, pediatric, and toxicological emergencies, as well as professional issues like ethics and legal considerations. Nurses must be able to assess and treat critically ill or injured patients quickly and efficiently while working in high-pressure environments such as emergency departments (EDs) and trauma centers.

Earning the CEN certification proves that a nurse has advanced skills and knowledge in emergency care, making them a more competitive candidate for jobs and leadership roles. While not always required, many hospitals prefer or encourage nurses to obtain CEN certification. To maintain the credential, nurses must recertify every four years through continuing education or by retaking the exam. This certification is ideal for emergency nurses, trauma nurses, and critical care professionals seeking to enhance their expertise and career opportunities.

The BCEN Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN®) certification is a specialized credential for registered nurses who provide critical care during air medical transport. Offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), this certification demonstrates advanced knowledge in pre-hospital, emergency, and critical care for patients transported via helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

The CFRN exam tests a nurse’s ability to handle complex medical emergencies in the high-stress, unpredictable environment of air transport. It covers cardiac, respiratory, neurological, trauma, toxicological, obstetric, neonatal, and pediatric emergencies, as well as flight physiology, patient assessment, and safety protocols. Candidates must understand how altitude, pressure changes, and limited resources affect patient care.

Earning the CFRN certification proves a nurse is highly skilled in providing life-saving care during air transport. While not always required, many flight nursing programs and air ambulance services prefer or mandate CFRN certification. Nurses must renew their certification every four years through continuing education or by retaking the exam. This credential is ideal for flight nurses, transport nurses, and critical care professionals looking to advance in aeromedical transport.