[memphisicu]

Hey all,
I am planning on taking the CCRN exam some time in the next few months if I can get adequately prepared. Does anyone have a really good review book they can suggest to get ready and to give me a good range of concepts that I should be familiar with?
-Memphis K

[wishingmary]

I recommend PASS CCRN! by Robin Donohoe Dennison. Mosby Books ISBN #0-323-00999-9

It has a CD-ROM that comes with the book chalked full of questions to practice answering.

Hope this helps you.

Mary

[KathleenRNICU]

I passed the CCRN in April after MUCH studying. I looked at alot of materials and I found the following the most helpful:

1. Springhouse publishes a ccrn review book that I wonderful. It is simply Q/A format, but the answers are VERY thorough.

2. Lara Gasparis Vonfrolio (sp?) has a collection of review videos (and a live review seminar, by the way) and a Q/A review book that are great. She is very funny and motivating and she does a really good basic review in her videos. The videos are expensive, but well worth it. Try to get your hospital to buy a set for all their nurses to use. The Q/A book is also very thorough. The videos can be found for sale on the AACN Website.

3. Also on the AACN website is the 'core curriculum' and the 'core review' for critical care nursing. The core curriculum is too detailed and not worth the money. The core review is very good because it contains 3 full length, properly weighted exams. I found this very helpful in quantifying my progress.

I would recommend studying from more than one book. Each book seemed to have it's own biases. And - don't get overconfident - I did think that the actual test was easier than the practice tests.

Good Luck!
Kathleen

[dwoodruff]

I think that PASS CCRN is the best one out there. It is pretty comprehensive and includes the practice questions.

However, the main point is to study. Study what you don't know. People will usually review the content they feel familiar with, and avoid the content that is unfamiliar. This is natural, but won't help you pass.

Once you identify what areas need more work, then look for the answers in your review book and other current references. One review book may be fine if you use other references too.

It isn't necessary to be on the cutting edge with technology. The exam doesn't ask about the latest treatment technology. You're best off having a really good handle on pathophysiology.

David Woodruff, MSN, RN, CCRN

[melrey11]

I also agree with PASS CCRN! by Dennison. Personally, I dont recommend spreading yourself thin with a bunch of different books. For me, this book had everything, i studied it like the bible, and marked it up till it was falling apart. I carried it everywhere and it was everything I needed alone, to pass. I was personally surprised at the number of ethics questions on mine, and was very thankful that i emphasized hemodynamic drugs and what they affect (preload, nitro, afterload, svr...) good luck, its not as painful as you think. Id take 3 months to study, dont sweat it, you'll see!!!!
Melissa

[Zee_RN]

I used PASS CCRN and the Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio CCRN Review Cram audio tapes. The audio tapes were very beneficial; the Pass CCRN is wonderful, with so much great information -- but can be intimidating. Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio kinda took that edge off because she's quite humorous as well as informative. I recommend both.