Re: Should I Wait For CCRN Certification Originally Posted by meandragonbrett
There are some REALLY good resources out there right now that solely focus on what you need to know to pass the exam and nothing else. Therefore you don't get the benefit of studying every single body system and what's on the test blueprint.
I don't know if they have it anymore but AACN used to have a CCRN educational disk that was in test form. You could take the tests by system or take a mock 200-question test.
The nice part about it was that it provided a rationale for each answer, even including rationales on why a wrong answer was wrong. A good little learning experience.
The eternal cynic in me has to wonder whether AACN dumbed the test down to kick up its profits. "Now really...it doesn't have to be THAT hard...."
When I took it there was actually a skills checklist that had to be filled out as part of the application to take the test. What a concept.
From their website:
>>As of January 1, 1999,
the technical skills (interventions) checklist was eliminated as a requirement for obtaining or renewing the
CCRN credential. While accomplishment of specific technical
skills is no longer required to be eligible to sit for the
CCRN exam, having knowledge and/or experience with specific critical care technical
skills (i.e., hemodynamic monitoring, ventilating patients) may benefit you in understanding the questions presented on the exam. Having knowledge and experience with patient situations involving technology that monitors or maintains life functions will enhance your understanding of the patient care scenarios outlined in the examination.<<
"May benefit you in understanding the questions"?? So it looks like the goal is to pass the test, not to have any particular skills at the bedside of a critically ill patient.
Oh well....
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