Critical Care Course prior to ICU job

Specialties Critical

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Specializes in Med/Surg Tele (2), ICU (1).

Hi all, just curious about any critical care courses available for a nurse looking for a job in the ICU. I currently have 1.5 med/surg tele experience and looking to advance to ICU. Several of my colleagues suggested to take a critical care course to help me land a job in the ICU.

It seems like the previous posts on AN said that the hospital would pay for theirs and enroll the new ICU nurse into a program that either the facility or another facility sponsors. I'm looking for a program an individual (me) can go through so that it would help me land a job in the ICU easier. I've tried googling for programs in NY or Online, but many of them seem to be for hospitals only.

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If you're not yet, get your ACLS cert and become a member of the AACN. Do some critical care modules on their website and you'll be armed with a LITTLE more knowledge about what you're trying to get into. It might turn a few heads when you apply

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Specializes in Med/Surg Tele (2), ICU (1).
If you're not yet, get your ACLS cert and become a member of the AACN. Do some critical care modules on their website and you'll be armed with a LITTLE more knowledge about what you're trying to get into. It might turn a few heads when you apply

I'm already a part of the AACN, and I have my ACLS. I'll definitely look into the modules of critical care I can do on their site, that's a great idea! Thanks!!

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Specializes in Intensive Care Unit.

Get certified either CCRN or PCCN - I recommend CCRN if you are interested. Each place is different but in my ICU there is only a handful of CCRN nurses so when I applied I stood out and got the position. You can find all the certification info on the AACN website :) good luck!

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Get certified either CCRN or PCCN - I recommend CCRN if you are interested. Each place is different but in my ICU there is only a handful of CCRN nurses so when I applied I stood out and got the position. You can find all the certification info on the AACN website :) good luck!

Don't you need 1750 hours of critical care at the bedside before you can take the CCRN?

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Specializes in Intensive Care Unit.

You have tele - that counts! It lists the acceptable units that are able to take it. It's certainly easier if your an ICU nurse because you see the content more frequently but I was a PCU/tele RN when I took it :)

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As a nurse in the Certification Department at AACN I am always happy to answer or clarify questions related to exam eligibility for any of our credentials. As stated in the exam handbook: “CCRN® certification is a specialty certification for nurses who provide care for acutely and/or critically ill patients. Specialty nurses interested in this certification may work in such areas as intensive care units; cardiac care units; combined ICU-CCUs; medical/surgical ICUs; trauma units; or critical care transport/flight.” Eligible candidates and a verifier need to affirm that the 1,750 hours of practice has been in the care of acutely/critically patients.

In addition to the other requirements, you will find valuable information for applying and preparing for the CCRN exam on the AACN website at http://www.aacn.org/wd/certifications/docs/ccrn-exam-handbook.pdf You will be delighted to find that the handbook includes a detailed test plan for the exam so that you may adequately prepare for your test.

If anyone has any specific questions or concerns about their individual eligibility, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] and I will be happy to assist.

Best wishes from all of us at AACN as you transition to the next phase of your career.

Cindi Noe RN, MSN

Clinical Practice Specialist

AACN - Certification Corporation

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Specializes in Critical care.

New to critical care? Then look into ECCO. (Essentials of Critical Care Orientation) This is likely the course your colleagues are referring to.

As noted, you would need to satisfy the critical care experience requirement to be eligible to sit for the CCRN exam.

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Does anyone know of any ICU refresher course in Florida, not online?

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.
Shrizeal, can you send me a PM? I cant send you one for some reason.
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Hi ms canoe

I would like to be certified to be ccrn does it count even if my experience in critical care is outside the USA?

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Echelon has a course. I know I am way late to respond.

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