How does a new grad become a CCRN?

Nurses General Nursing

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Im a new grad since May and I can't find ANY jobs in this market. Homecare tells me I need 1 yr of experience. Nursing homes tell me I need experience and even the assisted living facility did not hire me. They said I could give flu shots. I'm sorry but I could have taken a phlebotomy course if I wanted to give flu shots.

I don't know what to do besides go back to school. If I get a bsn, am I eligable to apply for a CCRN program? Will this help me step foot in the hospital? Surely, the school will give me experience as a CCRN in clinicals and then I can work in a hospital.

Is this a bad idea? What about WOCN? I hate wounds but would that help me get somewhere?

Thank you

Look on the ANCC site-you need a LOT of hours of direct care before taking the CCRN exam.

sorry

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Specializes in Trauma, Burn, Crticial Care.

CCRN is a desigination you can obtain after working in a critical care environment for at least two years (check hours requirement as well) and passing the CCRN exam.

Check out ACCN.org for additional information

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Specializes in Trauma, Burn, Crticial Care.

For WOCN you really need a Masters and have to pass a board exam as well.

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Specializes in adult ICU.
For WOCN you really need a Masters and have to pass a board exam as well.

Actually CWOCN is a post-BSN certificate. Most places that offer it have you do about 10-15 graduate level credits to be eligible to sit for the boards.

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Specializes in Trauma, Burn, Crticial Care.

My previous hospital - academic medical enter and my current hospital - academic medical center require Master's Prepared WOCN. Most of the WOCN's I have worked with are Master's prepared.

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Specializes in adult ICU.

Checklist for WOCNCB Certification - Wound Care Certification - WOCNCB

The WOC people say BSN+WOC coursework.

Edit -- if you read it carefully, it doesn't even say BSN. It says Bachelor's Degree.

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.
Is this a bad idea? What about WOCN? I hate wounds but would that help me get somewhere?

I understand wanting to make oneself more attractive to potential employers, but if you "hate" wounds, you won't be happy with a WOCN certification.

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Specializes in SICU, Peds CVICU.
I'm probably the least arrogant person you will meet.

Actually not the most humble statement one could make.

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The replies from a couple of you have contributed to the myth, "nurses eat their young."

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Specializes in Peds and PICU.

I had a friend a few years ago that couldn't find a job as an RN new grad. She also took a position doing flu shots and, while she didn't get a whole lot of varied experience, she can do one heck of an IM!

Also, I think you may be a little misguided about the RN-BSN program. If I'm not mistaken, you aren't doing inpatient clinicals so the statement about school giving you critical care experience (I'm sure at this point you have been drilled enough to know you can't do CCRN without about 2 years experience!) isn't very accurate.

Good luck with the job hunt!

FYI, it also may not be the best idea to "beg" the nurse for home health assignments straight off the bat!!

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Specializes in ICU.

CCRN requires 1000 hours of clinical critical care experience. ANd a VERY VERY hard exam, the quesitons wouldn't really make any sense unless you put them into clincial practice.

You have to really love those wounds and have a passion for them in order to become a WOCN. Any one I have ever met, loves them. Also, you need clinical experience in that area.

Start from the bottom work your way up. Forgoe the fancy titles.

I am an unemployed right now after almsot 5 years in the ICu and 6 months being a Nurse Manager. I would love to give flu shots right now!

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