Eligibility

Perianesthesia nursing certification - specialty nursing certifications - PACU CAPA CPAN

Eligibility Requirements

RN Licensure

You must have a current unrestricted (unencumbered)* Registered Nurse license in the United States or any of its territories that use the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensing Examination (NCLEX) exam as a basis for determining RN licensure.

* An unrestricted (unencumbered) RN license, issued by a State Board of Nursing, means that a RN license must not have provisions or conditions that would limit the RN’s practice in any way.,

AND

Clinical Experience

You must have at least 1,200 hours of direct clinical experience obtained within the two years prior to applying for initial certification.

Direct experience is defined as having bedside interaction with the patient and/or family in some capacity and participating actively in the individual patient experience. You do not need to be technically employed in a direct care position (staff nurse, for example). If your role (e.g., educator, manager, Clinical Nurse Specialist) involves bedside interaction with the patient and/or family in some capacity, those hours count towards meeting the experience requirement.

Dual Certification*

To be eligible to sit for both the CPAN and CAPA exams, you must meet the licensure and direct care requirements and have:

  • at least 1,200 hours of direct clinical experience caring for patients in Postanesthesia Phase I

AND

  • at least 1,200 hours of direct clinical experience caring for patients in Preanesthesia Phase, Day of Surgery/Procedure, Postanesthesia Phase II and/or Extended Care.

*if taking both exams in same window