CHRN Certification: Overview and FAQ
The Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse (CHRN) credential is for registered nurses working in the field of hyperbaric medicine, which involves treating patients in high-pressure oxygen chambers for conditions such as slow-healing wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, or diving-related injuries. It’s a unique and exciting specialty that combines cutting-edge science with hands-on patient care.
Want to take your career in this specialty to the next level? This guide covers everything you need to know to get certified, including eligibility requirements, the application process, and the exam details.
CHRN Certification: Snapshot
- Eligibility: You’ll need an active RN license, verified work experience, a recommendation letter, completion of approved hyperbaric medicine training, and 480 hours of supervised patient care under a CHRN preceptor.
- Preparation: Read the study guide, practice answering sample questions, and consider investing in the recent reference text.
- Application process: Submit an application for certification, provide all the supporting documents, and pay the exam fee.
- Exam: Your exam will have 120 questions, and you’ll have 2 hours to answer them.
- Cost: The exam fee is $400.
- Renewal: You’ll need to renew every 4 years.
What Is CHRN?
CHRN stands for Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse. It’s a specialized credential awarded to experienced hyperbaric registered nurses who meet eligibility requirements and pass a comprehensive exam administered by the Baromedical Nurses Association (BNA).
Wondering what topics you’ll be tested on? The exam outline covers essential areas related to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), including the following:
- History of undersea and hyperbaric medicine
- Physiological aspects of undersea and hyperbaric medicine
- Mechanisms and theory of decompression
- Currently accepted indications for hyperbaric oxygen exposure
- Oxygen toxicity
- Hyperbaric safety
- Understanding of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines for hyperbaric chambers
- Transcutaneous oxygen monitoring
- Nursing management of the patient undergoing HBOT
- Nursing standards of practice
Curious about where these nurses can work? They can work in a range of settings where this therapy is used, such as the following:
- Burn units
- Emergency rooms
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy centers
- Military health facilities
- Pain management clinics
- Private practices specializing in anti-aging and chronic illness recovery
- Research facilities
- Specialized hyperbaric department in hospitals
- Sports medicine facilities
- Veterans’ hospitals
- Wound care centers
CHRN Certification Requirements
Ready to get started on your certification journey? Let’s explore the key steps to earning this specialized credential.
1. Meet Eligibility Requirements
Your journey to becoming a certified hyperbaric nurse begins by meeting the exam’s eligibility requirements. Here’s what you need to complete before qualifying to sit for the exam:
- Hold a current and unrestricted RN license.
- Acquire 2 years of clinical experience in a hospital-based setting (or 1 year in critical care).
- Accumulate at least 1 year of hyperbaric medicine experience within the past 2 years.
- Complete a 40-hour approved hyperbaric medicine training course within the past 5 years.
- Log 480 hours of direct hyperbaric patient care, signed by your CHRN preceptor, following course completion. Be sure to include dates, hours worked, and specific activities performed.
- Submit a letter of recommendation from your employer or program manager.
2. Prepare for the Exam
Once you’ve met the eligibility requirements, it’s time to prepare for the exam. Start by reviewing any notes you made when completing your 40-hour hyperbaric medicine training course. Then, thoroughly review the CHRN study guide that contains the exam content outline. The guide also includes sample questions, which you can practice to familiarize yourself with the exam format.
You can also use additional resources like review courses and reference texts, but be cautious with study tools not endorsed by your certifying organization.
3. Apply for the Exam
Ready to take the test? Complete the application form and email it to the provided address. Be sure to upload all supporting documents, including experience logs signed by a CHRN preceptor and a copy of your licensure. Remember, you must register at least 30 days before your exam date.
4. Pay the Exam Fee
The application process includes a $400 exam fee. However, if you’re a member of any of these organizations, you may be eligible for a discounted rate:
- Baromedical Nurses Association (BNA): $250
- Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS): $300
- American College of Hyperbaric Medicine (ACHM): $300
5. Pass the Certification Exam
Wondering what the test will be like? Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect on exam day:
- You’ll answer 120 multiple-choice and true-or-false questions.
- You’ll have 2 hours to answer the test questions.
- You’ll need to answer 70% of the questions correctly to pass.
6. Maintain the Certification
Your CHRN credential needs to be renewed every four years. To stay certified, you’ll need to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Complete a recertification application.
- Have a current, unrestricted RN license.
- Complete 40 hours of approved continuing education within the past 4 years, with at least 20 hours in hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions: CHRN Certification
What is the typical salary for a hyperbaric nurse?
The typical hyperbaric nurse salary in the U.S. is around $66,000 a year, though specialized certifications, work experience, and advanced education can significantly boost your earnings.
Additionally, geography is a big factor in determining your salary. Some of the high-paying states for RNs include:
What are my options if I fail the exam?
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you’ll need to wait three months before retaking the exam. If you’re unsuccessful on your second attempt, you’ll need to work an additional 480 hours in a hyperbaric field and wait another three months before retaking the exam. Finally, if you fail the exam on the third attempt, you’ll need to log an additional 480 hours of specialty work and complete 10 hyperbaric-specific continuing education hours before retaking the exam.
How do I verify my credentials?
You can easily verify your certificate online. Just enter your last name, and your details — including expiration date, certification type, and number — will be displayed.
What is a Certified Hyperbaric Technologist?
A Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) is a trained professional who operates HBOT chambers and works alongside healthcare providers, such as doctors and nurses, assisting with patient care during treatments.
Can I take a hyperbaric certification course online?
Yes, many organizations offer online certification courses, designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to become a certified hyperbaric nurse. Here are some examples:
What conditions are treated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
HBOT therapy is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including the following:
- Acute traumatic ischemia
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers and pressure sores
- Decompression sickness, a condition common among divers, caused by nitrogen bubbles forming in the bloodstream after rapid ascension
- Gas embolism
- Infections of the skin or bones
- Radiation injury
- Severe anemia when blood transfusions can’t be used
- Skin graft flap at risk of tissue death
- Thermal burns
- Vision and hearing loss
How can professional certification benefit my career?
Certification can boost your credibility and job prospects by showcasing your advanced knowledge and expertise in this highly specialized field. Here are some additional benefits:
- Improved nursing resume
- Increased earning potential
- Opportunities for career advancement, including leadership roles
- Strengthened professional credibility
- Improved patient outcomes
Related Certifications
Interested in exploring more certifications? Check out these additional credentials:
- Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification (AMB-BC)
- Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
- Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN)
- Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (CWOCN)
- Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN)
- Wound Care Certified (WCC)
Find Exciting Work Opportunities on IntelyCare
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