[Hoozdo]

Originally Posted by CVICURN2003

How long are the DVD's? Does she have a CD that has questions? I have the book. That's why I have not gone to a review course, I don't do well sitting for HOURS watching stuff (lecture in school almonst killed me). I will watch the parts I have trouble with (Like neuro....give me a heart any day...I run from strokes) but will it be worth it to buy them? I already have a small fortune invested in this and where I work pays ZERO (really sore subject). I have the AACN lecture that I bought before I found this thread....)

They are a set of 6 DVDs and I think 14 hours worth. The neuro section is not a huge portion of the test, cardiac and hemodynamics are at 36% of the test. 20% of the test is just professionalism/ethics. That part is not included in the DVDs - but they are common sense questions that almost any RN can answer. I think you could do without the DVDs if you are strong on cardiac.

I will let you all know more when I take the test on 7/25

Say, does anyone know what percent of questions you have to have to pass the test? I know there is 150 questions on it. Anyone? I will say I am not getting more than 60-65% on the Pass CCRN questions after the first round. I am doing nothing but Pass CCRN questions between now and 7/25! (And reading rationales)

[Hoozdo]

From http://www.certcorp.org/certcorp/certcorp.nsf
"The methodology used to set the minimum passing score is the Angoff Method; this is a criterion-referenced process in which expert judges estimate the passing probability of each item on the test. These judgments are averaged to determine the minimum passing score (i.e., the number of correctly answered items required to pass the examination), to ensure that those who pass the test have demonstrated a sufficient level of knowledge of critical care nursing to warrant certification. Statistical equating procedures are used to ensure that each examination form that is developed will be of a consistent level of difficulty, based on the average difficulty of the items being scored. The number of correct answers required to pass is generally around 70% correct, although the actual passing point can vary somewhat based on the equating process and the minor variations in difficulty among the forms."

[deeDawntee]

Also, 25 of the questions will not be graded, according to Dr Laura, these are impossible to answer!! you could be in the middle of a medical library and not be able to find the answer! Apparently these are mostly hemodynamic questions and appear on the first part of the test. Her advice is not to freak out when you seem to be missing a lot of questions at first, that is expected. Personally I think they want to see if one can handle stress or not. 25 is a lot of unanswerable questions!! So don't freak out for the first part of the test if you think you are failing, you won't be!!

[deeDawntee]

As far as Dr Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio's DVD course, of course you can pass without them. I'm sure any CCRN review class will give you what you need. Each program will give a different slant on the information. Personally, I really enjoy her humor, she offers stories from her vast experience that really help solidfy knowledge. But you could do fine with the information you have, I am sure.

[deeDawntee]

Originally Posted by Hoozdo

I will say I am not getting more than 60-65% on the Pass CCRN questions after the first round. I am doing nothing but Pass CCRN questions between now and 7/25! (And reading rationales)

Hi Hooz!!
I hear that Dennison's questions are generally harder than the CCRN, if that helps. What time on Wednesday do you take the exam?

[ElizabethJRN]

Originally Posted by deeDawntee

Also, 25 of the questions will not be graded, according to Dr Laura, these are impossible to answer!! you could be in the middle of a medical library and not be able to find the answer!

Ahh! Why do they do this? So unfair

I really am trying to study guys, but it's been SO NICE outside, I just would rather be by the lake

Good luck to everyone else though...I'm slowly getting there...ha.

[CVICURN2003]

Originally Posted by Hoozdo

They are a set of 6 DVDs and I think 14 hours worth. The neuro section is not a huge portion of the test, cardiac and hemodynamics are at 36% of the test. 20% of the test is just professionalism/ethics. That part is not included in the DVDs - but they are common sense questions that almost any RN can answer. I think you could do without the DVDs if you are strong on cardiac.

I will let you all know more when I take the test on 7/25

Say, does anyone know what percent of questions you have to have to pass the test? I know there is 150 questions on it. Anyone? I will say I am not getting more than 60-65% on the Pass CCRN questions after the first round. I am doing nothing but Pass CCRN questions between now and 7/25! (And reading rationales)

:hatparty: Good Luck!!!!!!!

[Burnt2]

Good luck! We're all with you!

Do those practice questions like your life depends on it!

[dakota0927]

I am looking for PDA software with CCRN type questions/answers. I first read about it on some website posted by someone who used that software to study for the exam (and ultimately passed) and now can't find the information anywhere! I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who can give me more specifics about any CCRN test prep software that is available.

thanks

[walk6miles]

I remember very well how long and how hard I studied for my CCRN. I consider it an important "badge" - it isn't "just a certification"; the CCRN behind your name indicates to your patients and your coworkers that:
You know what you are doing when you do something to or
for the patient; i.e., when you do a cardiac output on a fresh post-
op CABG patient, you know what the injectate's calculations
reflect.

You understand why the sequence of events in your patient's
care happen the way they do; you understand the workings of
the different systems within the human body and the consequences
of different treatments.

I am proud of my CCRN; I studied long and hard for it - that made me a better RN for all the hard work (not better than someone who is not a CCRN, just better educated from a personal reflection).

As I have gotten older in my practice, I find my CEU requirement for recertification forces me to work on my knowledge base; I tend to get lazy in my own way - I actually look forward to my CEU's.

And, like it or not, my CCRN puts the physicians I work with on notice that I am the kind of RN who works hard to keep up with what's new in medicine; I am interested in keeping up with the new "treatment modalities"; I can be trusted to know what I am doing. Many of the physicians at my hospital participate in our monthly AACN meetings as lecturers and are familiar with us as a result.

The monetary reward (I actually figured out the cost versus the increase in pay) is WORTH it...

I used Gasparas/Vonfrillo's cassettes (that's how old) and I used every and any practice test I could get my hands on.... I didn't memorize, I analyzed and that made the difference for me!

Good luck!