Promoting Perianesthesia Certification with Virtual Study Groups

• Published in: Journal of perianesthesia nursing 2024-08, Vol.39 (4), p.e9-e9
• Main Authors: Woods, Team Leaders: Karen, Dyer, Ronda, Meadows, Michelle, Braden, Team Members: Michael, Oxford, Denise, Lyons, Patti, Morales, Linda, Blancas, Imelissa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1089-9472; 1532-8473
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2024.06.022

From spring 2019 to spring 2022, the pass rate for Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) exams dropped from 80% to 57%. During the same timeframe the Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) pass rates dropped from 84% to 69%. Due to declining pass rates, a need to support perianesthesia nurses obtaining certification was identified. To obtain certification pass rates above the national average amongst study group participants for the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 testing sessions. In June, 2022, a group of certified perianesthesia nurses including 4 bedside nurses and 2 perianesthesia nurse educators planned a study program to be offered virtually on the Zoom platform. Using the textbook, Drain’s Perianesthesia Nursing A Critical Care Approach, a 12-week study plan was developed with assigned topics for each week. PANAC members were emailed study group information and an invitation to a virtual informational session. After attending the informational session, attendees interested in joining the 12-week study group were asked to fulfill participation requirements and register. Participation requirements included ASPAN/PANAC membership, securing a test date, and having a copy of the Drain’s Perianesthesia Nursing A Critical Care Approach textbook. For 12 weeks, participants met with leaders on Zoom to review perianesthesia topics as scheduled in the study plan. The same process was followed for the Spring 2023 testing session. •Fall 2022 study group participants sat for 11 exams, 10 of which were passed (91% pass rate)•Spring 2023 study group participants sat for 50 exams, 41 of which were passed (82.5% pass rate)•Due to confidentiality requirements, the breakdown between CPAN and CAPA was not able to be accurately obtained. Specialty certification validates a nurse’s knowledge and promotes quality outcome in patients. Virtual certification study groups led by certified nurses can promote professional development by increasing test-taker success rates and enable greater participation than in-person options. Continuation of the perianesthesia certification virtual study group will advance nursing practice and professionalism and improve perianesthesia patient outcomes.