MS nurses can now be certified as experts - news - International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses - Brief Article

Inside MS, Jan-March, 2003

Early in 2000, the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses began the arduous task of putting together a certification process that would ensure that nurses working with people with MS would all be "on the same page." In June 2002, the first formal certification examination for MS nurses was held in Chicago, Illinois--and 109 nurses from Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the United States passed the test and received certification.

Developed in collaboration with the Professional Testing Corporation, the exam tests MS knowledge and skills in the following areas:

* basic concepts of MS (including disease course classification, pathophysiology, and diagnosis);

* treatment (both drug and non-drug);

* symptom management;

* psychosocial intervention;

* research and education initiatives;

* knowledge of community resources and area health-care systems; and

* patient advocacy.

Certification recognizes the level of knowledge necessary to work effectively with people with MS, and promotes safe, ethical practice. All candidates must be registered nurses with at least two years' experience working with people with MS.

The examination will be held twice a year in 40 cities in the United States, Canada, Australia, Finland, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the Netherlands. For more information, go to: www.iomsn.org.