RenalWEB - BONENT Examinations Information

Return to RenalWEB Home Page

BOARD OF NEPHROLOGY EXAMINERS, INC.

NURSING AND TECHNOLOGY

Measuring quality performance in nephrology

Facts About the BONENT Examinations

BONENT offers separate exams in individual nephrology specialties. Exams are:

In-depth

Comprehensive

Focused on a single specialty

BONENT specialty exams include:

Hemodialysis Technology

Hemodialysis Nursing

Peritoneal Dialysis Nursing

Nephrology nurses may receive certification in either or both hemo and peritoneal dialysis.

A facility or other group can request to host a BONENT examination provided a minimum of five candidates are interested in sitting for the exam(s).

BONENT provides a study outline which includes a comprehensive bibliography as a reference source to assist those preparing for the exam.

Eligibility to take the exam:

For nurses: a valid RN, one year of experience in nephrology, and current active participation in ESRD.

For LPN or LVN: a valid LVN or LPN, two years of experience in nephrology, and current active participation in ESRD.

For technicians: a high school diploma or equivalent, one year of experience in nephrology, and current active participation in ESRD.

All experience must be verified by two letters of reference, one from the immediate supervisor, the other from a professional, e.g. a peer or mentor in the field of nephrology.

All exams are regularly updated. They are designed and analyzed for reliability and validity by a professional examination service.

The Board of Nephrology Examiners, Inc. has been incorporated as an independent testing body since 1974.

As an organization, BONENT serves as a representative voice urging legislative and regulatory movement toward meaningful training/ certification/credentialing of all nephrology practitioners.

BONENT PROGRAM GOALS

Identify safe, competent practitioners in nephrology nursing and technology.

Promote excellence in the quality of care of the nephrology patient.

Encourage the study and advance the science of nursing and technological fields in nephrology.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

� Board of Directors

Comprised of certified nephrology nurses and technicians

Board advisors appointed at the discretion of the President

Duration of Board term: three years

� Certified membership

Comprised of nurses and technicians who receive a passing score on a BONENT exam

Must renew every year and recertify every four years to remain certified

Over 3,000 nurses and technicians have been BONENT-certified

THE BONENT EXAMS

� Process of exam development

Analysis of tasks, role delineation, skills, and knowledge is performed by the exam committee in conjunction with a professional examination service

Questions are solicited from qualified nephrology nurses and technicians in different areas of the country

Submitted questions are categorized, edited grammatically and psychometrically, reviewed by experts, and placed in item pool

Questions are drawn from item pool for placement on the exams

Exams are designed, constructed, and analyzed for reliability and validity by a professional examination service

� Hemodialysis exam for technicians

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and one year of experience in an ESRD facility or successful completion of an accredited dialysis course

� Content areas

Patient Care (65%)

Machine Technology (10%)

Water Treatment (5%)

Dialyzer Reprocessing (5%)

Education/Personal Development (15%)

� Hemodialysis exam for nurses

Qualifications

RN with valid license

One year of experience in an ESRD facility

LPN or LVN with valid license

Two years of experience in an ESRD facility in a nursing capacity

Current active participation in nephrology nursing

� Content areas

Supervision/Administration (10%)

Dialysis and Related Issues (74.5%)

Professional Development (5.5%)

Environmental control (10%)

� Peritoneal dialysis exam for nurses

Qualifications

RN with valid license

One year of experience in nephrology nursing

LPN or LVN valid license

Two years of experience in an ESRD facility in a nursing capacity

Current active participation in nephrology nursing

� Content areas

Nursing Process (60%)

Administration (10%)

Education (20%)

Professional Development (10%)

EXAM ADMINISTRATION

� Requirements for an exam sitting

Examination test dates and sites are scheduled on a yearly basis

Anyone interested in hosting an exam not listed on the schedule may submit a host form for approval

Five candidate minimum

Exam must be proctored by a BONENT Board member or approved host

� Procedures for setting up exam

Sponsor returns host form along with a curriculum vitae to national office

Candidates return applications to national office (minimum of five)

Acceptance notice is sent by national office to candidates clarifying date, time and location of exam

Letter is sent to proctor by national office clarifying date, time, and location of exam

� Fees

� Function of examination service

Send exam materials to proctor

Score exams

Send test results to candidates

Maintain exam validity through expert statistical and scientific analysis

� Function of BONENT national office

Send certificates to passers

Maintain database of certificant files

� Function of Board of Directors

Maintain exam relevance to actual clinical and technical practice

RECERTIFICATION AND RENEWAL

Fee for annual renewal is $55

Recertification required at four-year intervals

Recertification options:

Earn 40 contact hours through workshops, seminars, home study activities, academic courses, presentation or publication; 25 hours must be nephrology-related
OR

Retake exam at end of certification period

LEGISLATIVE MANDATES FOR CERTIFICATION

In several states, BONENT certification or state certification is required for technicians who perform certain patient care procedures

BENEFITS OF BONENT CERTIFICATION

� Benefits for facilities

Ensure quality care for kidney patients through development of highly qualified personnel

Build cadre of professional personnel who demonstrate willingness to participate as member of total health care team through voluntary certification

Protect against liability

Receive favorable reviews from Medicare teams during annual site visits

� Benefits of certification for members

Increase ability to provide the highest quality care to patients in the unit

Enjoy the distinction of using the title: CHT, CHN, or CPDN after name

Derive personal satisfaction from performance

Enhance resume

Receive increased consideration for promotion/salary raises

Continue professional growth through recertification program

Participate in the development of new BONENT programs

Receive BONENT Update newsletter which contains practical program information designed specifically for nurses and technicians

Receive complimentary copies of various nephrology publications

Call the national office for a candidate handbook or a host packet or go on-line for the full Candidate Examination Handbook (pdf format requires Adobe Acrobat Reader):

BONENT

1901 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 607

Washington DC, 20006

(202) 462-1252

Fax (202) 463-1257

President: RJ Picciano, CHT email: [email protected]

Executive Director:Peter Anas, email: [email protected]

Membership Director: Laikisha Jeffries, email: [email protected]

International Advisor: Adrian Buttimore, CHT, email: [email protected]

Return to RenalWEB Home Page