All CCRNs out there...

Specialties Critical

Published

Hi, all!

I am planning on taking CCRN test soon. I was wondering (since I have been hearing about how amazing Laura Gasparis review video or audio cd is) whether I can purchase used Laura's video from anyone of you who has this. Honestly, the DVD from the official website is little too expensive for me and CCRN test alone will cost me $300. I have purchased PassCCRN book (also expensive) but I am having a very hard time following the materials in the book and this is making me having hard time doing the question bank. I googled and searched on Amazon to find a used Laura's CD but I don't see it at all out there. Any CCRN willing to help this soon-to-be-CCRN(hopefully)?

Also, I will appreciate any input about other test studying strategies!

Thanks!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Does your ICU offer reimbursement? You might want to ask - some of them have a fund for educational things and count your CCRN as an educational expense. That would definitely help with the costs.

Honestly, the best studying I did was really paying attention to what was going on at my job. Really dig into your patient's charts from now until you take it, if you don't already, and question yourself about every single procedure/lab/drug that was ordered and ask yourself why it was ordered, and how that result changed the treatment plan. If you know what you're doing and why on a wide range of patient diagnoses, you will be fine to take it without studying too much.

The test was pretty heavy on the Swan stuff, so if those aren't something you see on a regular basis at your job I would recommend memorizing those numbers cold. Flash cards always work well for me with stuff that's straight memorization. You'll want to know what to do with those numbers, too - if you have high PA pressures/low cardiac output, what do you want to give?

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I took the peds ccrn and we had a review course at my place of employment, and they also covered the cost of the test. I know the content is probably a bit different, but I honestly felt like the patients I had on a daily basis at work prepared me quite well. My exam was heavy on DI and SIADH which we commonly see.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency, Education, Informatics.

The PassCCRN is more a reference book than a study book.

The key is to study as you go and only use the review courses for what they are. Review Courses.

Look around your community. Other hospitals may have review programs for discount or free. in my community the hospitals got together and shared CC education resources.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for all of your input :)

I talked to my manager and she said there is scholarship/reimbursement going on for this month for anyone who can pass the exam. I would assume this will only cover the test fee. I don't think they will pay for the review course or the books/dvd that I need.

Anyway I just paid for my test to force myself and be proactive. Maybe I will be able to get that fee reimbursed :up:

Wish me luck guys!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment