Originally Posted by geekgolightly

I bought the PASS CCRN book and I am about to start studying. I took a test to see where I was and I received a 68% score. How bad is this and what score do I need to achieve to assure myself that I will pass this test?

Are the questions from PASS CCRN easier or harder?

I really would like to get my CCRN. I need to know cardiac and pulmonary as those seem to be the ones wherein I know the absolute least and they are big portions of the test!

For all of you who passed WOW! I know this test must be really hard.

The KEY to PASS CCRN is using the DVD only and then the book for clarification on concepts you don't understand. Also get the Gasparis DVDs. That's all you need. Do every question on the PASS DVD and read EVERY single rationale. I found the questions on pass dvd to be more difficult than the actual exam.

Originally Posted by meandragonbrett

The KEY to PASS CCRN is using the DVD only and then the book for clarification on concepts you don't understand. Also get the Gasparis DVDs. That's all you need. Do every question on the PASS DVD and read EVERY single rationale. I found the questions on pass dvd to be more difficult than the actual exam.

I really don't need to go over the PASS book other than to clarify? That's a huge relief. I did get the Gasparis DVD's but have not yet watched them. I'll start with cardio and pulmonary unless I should start somewhere else?

Dang--that was one hard-a$$ test! Passed with 118 correct.
I used the Dennison book and the Ahrens book. Will agree with above comments on Dennison book and CD--book is WAY too much and in outline form. CD is good way to practice and underestimated my actual score. The Ahrens book was easier to read but it,too,has its share of typos in the quiz answers. My scores on the practice tests in that book were closer to actual.
The one reminder I have is to read the questions CAREFULLY---hypokalemia and hyperkalemia and hypercalcemia all look the same after staring at a screen for an hour. I went back and rechecked every one of my answers and good thing I did cuz I made some silly mistakes the first time through.
Good luck to the rest of y'all.
Z.

Originally Posted by sicushells

How long does it take after you apply to take the exam to get permission to test?

I applied in early August. I was sure it was in the mail today, but it was just my notification to renew my AACN membership. Argg.... I'm getting so impatient, even though there's still a lot of studying i want to do.

You should have it by now. I applied to take the exam on Monday and got my notice I can schedule my exam on Thursday. I haven't received anything in the mail yet, but I did receive an e-mail from AMP Customer Service, so you may want to check your e-mail filters or spam inbox to make sure you didn't miss it!!

I finally decided to just get it scheduled so I'll have a deadline as motivation to study!

PS - I applied online, and did not send in a paper application, so this may only apply to online applications...it was FAST! You should maybe call AACN to check on the status because once you're approved you have 90 days to take it without extension fees.

Originally Posted by PICC ACE

Dang--that was one hard-a$$ test!

I agree, but aren't you sooo proud of yourself now that you have passed. GONGRATS!

Originally Posted by moonischasingme1

I'm intimidated though since a lot of nurses on the unit have been there for 15-20 years and I wonder what their reactions would be to someone who is "new" becoming certified. I just love to learn and am always looking for ways to better myself and my patients!!

They should be thankful and proud! Do not let anyone keep you from your goals! I have had co-workers/seasoned nurses who say passing a test doesn't make you a better nurse. BULL! The continued quest for knowledge and empowerment definately makes fo a better nurse. Welcome to the world of critical care and good luck!

Originally Posted by PICC ACE

Dang--that was one hard-a$$ test! Passed with 118 correct.
I used the Dennison book and the Ahrens book. Will agree with above comments on Dennison book and CD--book is WAY too much and in outline form. CD is good way to practice and underestimated my actual score. The Ahrens book was easier to read but it,too,has its share of typos in the quiz answers. My scores on the practice tests in that book were closer to actual.
The one reminder I have is to read the questions CAREFULLY---hypokalemia and hyperkalemia and hypercalcemia all look the same after staring at a screen for an hour. I went back and rechecked every one of my answers and good thing I did cuz I made some silly mistakes the first time through.
Good luck to the rest of y'all.
Z.

Congratulations!! And thanks for the tip on going back and looking carefully at the questions and your answers before submitting.

My unit just purchased the 5th edition Ahrens book, and it is remarkably easy to read, so I bought that one as well. There are numerous typos (especially for a 5th edition!) but this book is the one that is going to really help me understand concepts thoroughly, rather than just memorizing information. I already understand so much more about the CV system than I thought was possible to cram into my tiny brain.

Highly recommended for people who are weak on patho and can't memorize factoids without understanding the big picture.

I just passed the CCRN last week. I reviewed the questions with PassCCRN review book and I used another review book with just questions. Looking at the rationales and practicing answering questions helped me the most.

Hey, guys I'm still hesitant to set my date. I've taken the pass CCRN exam test twice and got a 65% and 68%. Most of my errors were on cardiac, I'm scared. I dont want to have to push this past october, but I really Im starting to loose it! any pointers? Unlike most of you I am actually reading the book (not every page), but also doing questions daily.

Any cardiac concepts that we could go over or explain? Or is it just remembering it?