[deeDawntee]

Is there anyone else out there who is currently studying for the CCRN exam and would like to start a thread as perhaps a study and support group? I have just applied for the exam and have not yet set a date, but about in 3 months is when I will be taking it. I would love to be in communication with others in the same boat! I hope there is at least one other nurse out there! Thanks!
deeDawntee

[hotomalis]

Gosh, I would love to do the CCRN but I don't think I have enough experience. How long have you been in CC? Where do you go to study for this exam? How do you prepare?

[cardiacRN2006]

I bought the Laura Gasparios Vonfrolio tapes (and I'm pretty sure I mispelled one of these names). I love them. I also have 2 CCRN books. One that's just bullets of facts, and the other is a big book full of questions and answers. I'd like to take it at the end of the year...

[deeDawntee]

Originally Posted by hotomalis

Gosh, I would love to do the CCRN but I don't think I have enough experience. How long have you been in CC? Where do you go to study for this exam? How do you prepare?

To sit for the exam you have to have 1,750 hours in direct bedside care of acutely or critically ill pts during the 2 yr period peceding date of application, with 875 hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application.

So, you could do it after about 1 year of critical care experience as long as you were almost full time. (Full time=2000 hours in 1 year).

There are study courses around the country. Go on AACN's web site. I have however purchased a study course and am studying at home. I purchased David Woodruff's course, ed4nurses.com since he guarantees you will pass or he will pay for your next exam and give you private tutoring. I do like his materials. There is another highly recommended site: Linda Gasparis course greatnurses.com. I have just ordered her book, not the whole DVD course, but have heard that she prepares you extremely well. My hospital will pay for my exam fee and course material once I pass and then will give a yearly bonus for having the certification. It seems really overwhelming, but these courses really help. They tell you what to focus on. You do not need to know obscure diseases and infrequently seen meds or treatments. There is a good book out there: Pass CCRN by Dennison but I was advised to use it as a reference and not to try to learn the whole thing (let me tell you it is a lot of material) but to concentrate on going through the questions (it comes with a disc) and then use the material to review things you may not understand.

Anyway, it is a pretty big deal in the hospital where I work to have this cert. I am using this though to really learn and know this stuff and not just cram and be able to test well. It has been a very empowering experience and it makes my job more exciting and interesting as well. I would highly recommend it. I feel I am becoming a better nurse because of it. I hope you go for it, I would love to have someone to bounce off issues and support.

[deeDawntee]

Originally Posted by cardiacRN2006

I bought the Laura Gasparios Vonfrolio tapes (and I'm pretty sure I mispelled one of these names). I love them. I also have 2 CCRN books. One that's just bullets of facts, and the other is a big book full of questions and answers. I'd like to take it at the end of the year...

Gosh that would be great, why don't you take it in September? I really was considering Vonfrolio's tapes, maybe I should get them too. It would be so awesome to have a few of us support each other through this process. Don't you think? Hope you consider it.

[hotomalis]

thanks Deedawntee, I guess that answers my question. I have been out of nursing for the past 6 months. So I will use this time to prepare a little more. I keep hearing people say to prepare very well on hemodynamics.
Thanks again.

[cardiacRN2006]

Originally Posted by deeDawntee

Gosh that would be great, why don't you take it in September? I really was considering Vonfrolio's tapes, maybe I should get them too. It would be so awesome to have a few of us support each other through this process. Don't you think? Hope you consider it.

I still need more experience....

[deeDawntee]

Originally Posted by cardiacRN2006

I still need more experience....

Hey that's cool! You will know when you are ready!!

[jlsRN]

I took the review class this year as a sort of intro to the material. Now I want to get a good review book, then take the class again next year, then perhaps seriously prepare for the exam. Any recommendations for review books?

[cjmue12]

I just finished taking and passing the test in March. We got a group of 18 of us from the SICU and MICU (ended up with 10 becasue half quit on us) and we started having study review groups once a week. We bought the Gasparis DVDs and burned copies for each of us. We also had the Dennison book and CD which again we copied for each of us. There is a ton of stuff out there, some of it scams. One on ebay by flightnurses - dont buy it. The CD is crap, and the seller is no where to be heard from now. Do as many review questions as you can. Gasparis also has a CCRN review book - all questions. I made flash cards out of those questions and took it everywhere I went. Cardiac is 34% of the test so concentrate on that, not on the 3% that hematology is. Its like 4 questions and not worth stressing over. All of us that took the test passed - which is so cool because we had heard only 60% who take it pass. Good luck. When I went to take it I felt like I needed more time. I was getting mad becasue it was consuming my life and then I thought, I am an ICU nurse and I should know this stuff. After I took it I felt like I over studied. We prepared for about 9 months, but really cracked down hard for about 2 months prior. The buddy system is a great support system and encouraging way to go. And a little friendly competition is motivation. Good Luck!!