The growing numbers of Americans who have become dangerously obese has given rise to a proliferation of bariatric procedures. Assisting surgeons with these procedures are bariatric nurses, skilled professionals who will be in demand in this decade and the beyond.
If you want to join the ranks of bariatric nursing, you’ll need to go through the certification program for bariatric nurses administered by the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
If you’re already an RN with a valid license and you have at least two years of experience in caring for morbidly obese and bariatric surgery patients, you can take the Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN) examination.
The week-long, computer-based testing program covers clinical management, multidisciplinary team collaboration, communication and outreach, and leadership in program administration. The program culminates with the CBN exam. Pass the exam and you can carry the CBN designation after your name for four years before you need to renew it.
The most common bariatric procedures include gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Many of these are minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures.
ASMBS is dedicated to advancing the quality of care and ethical treatment of the obese and those with obesity-related and metabolic diseases. It educates both consumers and health professionals about the dangers of obesity, as well as the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery. Their goal is to develop high quality standards and practices that lead to improved patient outcomes.
For an added perspective, check out this video:
If you have any thoughts on bariatric nursing, feel free to share them in the comments section.
Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on 12.
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