MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., Sept. 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nurses of the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) are clinicians, educators, scientists, administrators and others who are devoted to raising the bar of excellence relating to providing high quality, evidence-based patient care in heart failure and adding to the knowledge base of heart failure science.
The AAHFN June 2012 conference marked the 2nd opportunity to qualify in AAHFN's heart failure nurse Certification program (Certified Heart Failure Nurse: CHFN). This year, the number of CHFN exam registrants rose by more than 30%. There are now 436 CHFN's worldwide, representing all but six US States, and including five from Canada. Roughly 80% of exam takers have passed over the past two years.
This program (www.heartfailurecertification.com), developed by the AAHFN Certification Board (AAHFN-CB), provides a CHFN credential and demonstrates, by examination and application criteria that includes contemporary heart failure education and practice requirements, that the registered nurse has acquired a core body of specialized knowledge in heart failure and disease management. This is exam is recognized by ANCC's Magnet program. Nancy Albert, PhD, RN, CHFN from The Cleveland Clinic and Chair of the AAHFN-CB, helped to outline the purpose of this certification, which is to promote the highest standards of practice within the specialty, validate attainment of a common knowledge base required for practice, and encourage and promote continued educational growth.
"Heart failure is a hot topic internationally. We are determined to push the boundaries in providing the best care possible for heart failure patients. A certified heart failure nurse offers a unique expertise to provide a caring, skilled response for their patients," says Linda Baas, PhD, RN, CHFN, AAHFN President.
In support of the program, AAHFN recently released the Core Curriculum Review that is not only a study guide for the CHFN exam, but is also a heart failure nursing reference tool. In using guidelines and evidence-based data, the Review outlines the process of planning, implementing, and evaluating care for heart failure patients.
About AAHFN
The American Association of Heart Failure Nurses unites professionals in the support and advancement of heart failure practice, education and research to promote optimal patient outcomes. AAHFN is dedicated to advancing its nursing education, clinical practice and research with the goal of setting the highest standards for heart failure nursing care. Learn more at www.aahfn.org, 888-45-AAHFN.
The American Association of Heart Failure Nurses logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=14514