Is it better to RN-BC or CMSRN? From an RN with 3 years orthopedics and Med-Surg experience.

In my professional opinion, I don't believe there is a better one, but I can tell you about the RN Board Certification since I have one myself. I think getting both is better if it aligns with your goals and your budget.

The RN-BC is obtained through the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) and from what I understand more recognized or accepted for Magnet Hospitals (anyone feel free to correct me since I am not a MedSurg nurse). There is an option to obtain a MEDSURG RN-BC that could be of benefit if that's the specialty that you would like to stay in, but there are other options. I genuinely think that if you're willing to strive for any certification as long as it is recognized in your area of specialty, that's a step in the right direction. It reflects how you want to strive to be a better nurse and that in itself deserves some applause. I would recommend speaking to your supervisor/manager or mentor (that has a certification) for some additional guidance. I got my certification later into my nursing career and don't regret it. I encourage it. Good luck!

They are both good. I would choose the one that your hospital will give you the extra bonus for and/or pays for if they have it. My hospital pays and accepts both so I did the CMSRN accredited by the AMSN because it is based more on clinical work, cheaper to test and for the renewal CEs. The other one is by the ANCC (BC) and it is more expensive for their membership and more expensive for the CEUs because they are associated with the ANA.

I have the CMSRN certification and i think it was a waste of time and money. The hospitals in the city I live in have become so bad with ratios in med surge I now travel and do stepdown/tele so I don’t have to take 7-8 patients.

I would and am myself taking the CMSRN.. there is no difference EXCEPT the fact that the RN-BC is through ANCC and the ANA who have spent over 100 years perpetuating systematic racism of its nurses of color. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Yes, I worked at the Cleveland clinic through an agency on orthopedic floor.

Chose the certification that will best suit you in your future plans as a nurse. If you do not have any future plans then do the CMSRN as the RN BC is more for fresh graduates nurses not experienced ones