[apaisRN]

I've got it scheduled for Dec 7. When I first started studying I thought for sure I'd bomb. I didn't really know what it involved, just figured I'm smart, I'm good at tests, I can sit down with that review book and figure it out. Silly arrogant me. But I'm starting to think I might pass, IF I study my butt off from now til then.

Anyone taken it in the last few years? How was it, easier or harder than expected? Any topics emphasized that you wouldn't expect?

[UCDSICURN]

Took it a couple weeks ago. Nothing surprising at all. Lots of swan questions, a few 12-leads, cardiomyopathy, shock, etc...Everything I reviewed was on there, can't think of anything that wasn't. For the most part, it was a straight forward test. 70% is passing. 125 graded questions, 25 non-graded, so you need 87ish to pass. I got a 110/125, studied on and very off over a couple of months. Hit it hard for a week and you'll do fine. Take lots of practice questions if you can with rationales, those helped a lot.

I emphasized cardio because that's the bulk of the test, obviously the other systems are on there too...=)

D.C.

[angelique777]

Originally Posted by UCDSICURN

Took it a couple weeks ago. Nothing surprising at all. Lots of swan questions, a few 12-leads, cardiomyopathy, shock, etc...Everything I reviewed was on there, can't think of anything that wasn't. For the most part, it was a straight forward test. 70% is passing. 125 graded questions, 25 non-graded, so you need 87ish to pass. I got a 110/125, studied on and very off over a couple of months. Hit it hard for a week and you'll do fine. Take lots of practice questions if you can with rationales, those helped a lot.

I emphasized cardio because that's the bulk of the test, obviously the other systems are on there too...=)

D.C.

Hoping you let me know what you studied from I do well with CD or on line material can you let me know what you recommend

Thanks
Angela

[nurse-lou]

I have not taken CCRN yet but I have a copy of Pass CCRN by Robin Dennison that is very good. Also the review book by Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio is also a good review book. Good luck to you!

[apaisRN]

I am studying from the Donohoe book as well as the practice questions the AACN puts out. I find it hard to find enough questions. I prefer to study that way. I wish I could buy a book of thousands of questions like I did for the NCLEX.

I'm worried about the psychosocial/professional judgement BS. I seem to always get them wrong, and they are 20% of the content. Also the study book is very general on the topic and reading it hasn't helped.

Thanks for your experience, UCDSICURN. I've been studying pretty hard for six weeks or so. There's a lot to learn as I work in a medical/cardiac unit and have only been there for 18ish months. I don't have much experience with trauma, neuro or CABG and we are using fewer swans all the time. Studying has been a great experience though. I've been able to assimilate a lot of things I've picked up at work and never understood, or couldn't pay attention to in orientation because I was still trying to work the stopcock on the art line.

[nurse-lou]

Does anybody have any good websites that have practice questions on them?

[chip193]

Originally Posted by apaisRN

I've got it scheduled for Dec 7. When I first started studying I thought for sure I'd bomb. I didn't really know what it involved, just figured I'm smart, I'm good at tests, I can sit down with that review book and figure it out. Silly arrogant me. But I'm starting to think I might pass, IF I study my butt off from now til then.

Anyone taken it in the last few years? How was it, easier or harder than expected? Any topics emphasized that you wouldn't expect?

I took it right after the new test came out and used nothing but the AACN study questions on disk. The style of question changed a bit, but it was a good guide - and I passed.

Lots of cardiac stuff. Know it cold.

Chip

[apaisRN]

Where did you get this disk?

I'm feeling pretty good on the cardiac, except for heart sounds/murmurs. I'm going to do another run-through of that chapter before the big day.

[angelique777]

Originally Posted by chip193

I took it right after the new test came out and used nothing but the AACN study questions on disk. The style of question changed a bit, but it was a good guide - and I passed.

Lots of cardiac stuff. Know it cold.

Chip

Hi where did you get the disk let us know that would be great for me thanks congratulations by the way glad you passed
see ya Angela :hatparty:

[chip193]

Originally Posted by angelique777

Hi where did you get the disk let us know that would be great for me thanks congratulations by the way glad you passed
see ya Angela :hatparty:

I think that I got it at Barnes and Noble. It is available through the AACN bookstore on their website.

Good luck!

Chip