Anyone else studying for CCRN exam?

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  1. I have or would like to get my CCRN certification: (you may select more than one)

    • 851
      Yes
    • 17
      No
    • 365
      If yes: I get some kind of financial reward or incentive to achieve and maintain certification.
    • 331
      If yes: There is no financial reward or incentive at my institution for CCRN certification.
    • 360
      If yes: I have or can have CCRN on my name badge or there is other forms of acknowledgement.
    • 291
      If yes: I find the certification has empowered my practice and would encourage others to pursue it.
    • 13
      If yes: It really hasn't been worth the work and I would discourage others from pursuing it.
    • 5
      If no: I don't have the certification and feel no need or have had negative experiences.
    • 53
      If no: I would like to pursue it, but have had difficulty getting motivated.
    • 12
      I am undecided.

379 members have participated

Is there anyone else out there who is currently studying for the CCRN exam and would like to start a thread as perhaps a study and support group? I have just applied for the exam and have not yet set a date, but about in 3 months is when I will be taking it. I would love to be in communication with others in the same boat! I hope there is at least one other nurse out there! Thanks!

deeDawntee

Specializes in ICU, Cardiac Cath/EPS Labs.

Thanks for the tips! I'm cramming this week for the test---took some vacation days off and am doing what allnurses.com recommends: the Pass CCRN! CD multiple choice questions and then reviewing the book for areas I need help on. Thanks for all your tips...I have two suggestions for people studying---they might make sense only for someone like me who is trying to cram it in to a week or two:

1) DON'T BOTHER with which Cardiac EKG leads indicate which portion of the heart---too much to memorize and will divert you from studying more-easily acquired knowledge, such as BUN/Creatine normal range: 5-20 and 0.7---1.5...BOOM--that's it--memorize those 2 values and you're good for that issue....There are just too many leads and different parts of the heart...it's not like we're preparing for the CARDIAC version of CCRN--and the PASS CCRN! book has so much detail it seems like you're preparing for the MD-Cardiologist certification exam!...(But DO KNOW different types of MI: ST-segment elevation (injury) versus NON-ST-segment elevation (No injury) and pathological Q-Waves typically indicate permanent damage to the heart muscle...

2) DON'T BOTHER memorizing the prescribed ranges of drips, but DO know how to calculate drips when given a formula (i.e., converting lbs to kg, mCg to mg, and mins to hrs--I believe you will have access to a calculator during the exam) and DO know the therapeutic SERUM (blood) level for e.g., Digoxin, theophylline....

Happy Studying! Thanks for reviving the thread and let's keep in touch...P.S. My hospital pays a $3,000 annual certification differential---yippee :) As I always say, ALLNURSES.com is a wonderful resource---knowledge is power and sharing and camaraderie are contagious--will be renewing my membership before its expiration in Sept.

Hi shirleyland!

Welcome to the thread. You are right, this thread has been quiet lately. I know there are a few others in the process of studying, but I have a feeling that summertime may not be the most motivating time to crack down and study. How is your study plan coming along? Do you know about when you would like to take the exam?

Here are some of the tips I know about taking the exam:

Know general issues with anti-rejection medications: all of them cause risk of infection, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Watch for decreased WBC's, RBC's and PLTS.

and then know the specifics of these 6 medications:

Corticosteroids: can cause GI bleeds, hyperglycemia, adrenal suppression

Cyclosporine: Hyperkalemia and hypomagnesia

ATgam: Thrombocytopenia

OKT3 (muromonab-CD3): decreased WBC;s and PLTS

Prograf: Hyperkalemia and hypomagnesia

Cellcept: HTN and hypokalemia.

Know Shock states: Hypovolemic, Cardiogenic, Septic (hyperdynamic and shock) neuro/spinal and anaphylactic. Know what is happening with hemodynamics in these states.

Memorize normal for PA catheter values: PAS/PAD, PCWP, CVP, CO, CI, SVR, PVR

know that MAP= DBP X2 / SBP/3

Know the actions of hemodynamic medications as far as HR, BP and CO also normal dose ranges for: Dopamine, Dobutamine, Levophed, Epi, Dig, Nitro, Nipride, Ami.

Know the action of Calcium Channel Blockers and what they interact with (beta blockers, grapefruit juice, anti-arrythmics and anti-seizure meds)

Know the action of Beta Blockers and what to watch for: Use in caution with diabetics (can mask hypoglycemia) asthmatics and additive effects with Ca channel blockers and ACEI.

12-Lead EKG interpretation: difference btw ischemia, injury and necrosis on 12 lead.

Know which leads indicate where on the heart the injury is.

Know sxs and treatment of hyper/hypo: kalemia, natremia, calcemia, magnesia, phosphorous.

Know basic ventilator terminolgy. ABG's. Chest tubes: what is normal/abnormal in suction chamber, water seal, and collection chamber.

For Neuro know the Glasgow coma scoring. Know the hematomas (epidural, subdural, subarchnoid)

Know the basic ACLS algorithms.

Also, if a question has an "all of the above" answer, that is probably the answer, and if in doubt, pick the longest answer.

Those are my best tips, along with Dr Laura's course, you WILL pass.

Hopefully, you will revive the thread and get others on board with studying again. I check this thread daily and will support you as much as I can. I know others visit here as well and can be a resource and support for you as well.

:wlcmblks::wlcmblks::wlcmblks:

Happy studying!! :yeah::yeah::yeah:

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Specializes in CTICU.

I disagree a LOT about the ECG leads - any and every ICU nurse should know which ECG lead corresponds to which area of the heart, off by heart! Backwards and forwards! Even just from monitoring!

I got *SO MANY* questions about complications of anterior/inferior/posterior MIs on my CCRN exam - different murmurs etc. I'm a cardiac nurse, so I thought it was good!

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Specializes in ER/ICU/PACU/ Nurse Anesthetist.
I disagree a LOT about the ECG leads - any and every ICU nurse should know which ECG lead corresponds to which area of the heart, off by heart! Backwards and forwards! Even just from monitoring!

I got *SO MANY* questions about complications of anterior/inferior/posterior MIs on my CCRN exam - different murmurs etc. I'm a cardiac nurse, so I thought it was good!

I agree, I also got a lot of thoses types of questions. If anything, I'd focus mostly on cardiac since it makes up the majority of the exam -32%.

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.

I agree that knowing the leads is very important. I can call the Doc and say it looks like this pt is having an inferior MI or an anterior MI etc. There IS a different degree of urgency depending on the area of the heart that is effected and how large that area is. Knowing those complications that you could expect as you see an MI happening to one of your patients really makes you ready to help.

However, if you have one week to cram for the test, I can see that it seems like a lot of information. It does concern me that skipping some crucial information for your practice in order to cram for the CCRN really isn't what certification exams are all about.

Does that make sense? ;););)

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Specializes in ICU, Cardiac Cath/EPS Labs.
I agree that knowing the leads is very important. I can call the Doc and say it looks like this pt is having an inferior MI or an anterior MI etc. There IS a different degree of urgency depending on the area of the heart that is effected and how large that area is. Knowing those complications that you could expect as you see an MI happening to one of your patients really makes you ready to help.

However, if you have one week to cram for the test, I can see that it seems like a lot of information. It does concern me that skipping some crucial information for your practice in order to cram for the CCRN really isn't what certification exams are all about.

Does that make sense? ;););)

Thanks for the feedback...I'll re-consider, but it seems like such detailed memorization...kind of like memorizing the twelve nerves and what they represent---that's what a reference book is good for....In my ICU, the monitors at the bedside have 5 connections on the patient....we can't even see all these numerous leads unless we bring an EKG machine to the bedside and perform a 12-lead EKG...and, frankly, it seems few RNs and few MDs really understand EKGs....I have yet to find someone who can explain what a "lead" is...i.e., is it a "connection spot" on the patient or is it the combination of two connection spots, e.g., the right-arm and left-leg connection spots together reflect a "lead" of electricity travelling across the heart??? [Most people don't even notice/realize that a 12-lead EKG machine has only TEN "connection spots" on the patient.] Sorry to sound so lame..I'm actually fairly smart, but I just think that truly understanding 12-lead EKG analysis would take a one-semester college course...I'd rather skip it all than act like I understand it---"a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing..." I do appreciate everyone's feedback....maybe I'd feel differently if I worked in a CARDIAC or TELEMETRY care unit (for example, in my ICU--small combined med/surg ICU--I have NEVER witnessed anyone contacting the MD and stating "the patient is having an inferior vs. anterior MI".........Thanks.

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Specializes in DNAP Student.

I have NEVER witnessed anyone contacting the MD and stating "the patient is having an inferior vs. anterior MI".........Thanks.

I have noticed that very few nurses have the guts to talk to MD regarding 12 lead and the changes noted. I saw that when I used to work in ICU and I would always emphasize to nurses the significance of learning how to read a 12 lead EKG. I do not work in ICU anymore and once in a while in my practice I see these EKG changes and I tell my physician counterpart.

Good luck on your test ...

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.

There are only 3 basic MI's that I find important to know for my practice (and this is what I learned in my ICU class at my facility)

1) Acute Anterior MI: this represents the left coronary artery. (this MI is often the most critical) it shows up in V1-V4. May cause: pump failure (be ready for a balloon pump) second degree heart block type 2 and third degree heart blocks.

2) Acute Inferior MI: represents the right coronary artery. This shows up in leads II, III and AVF. this may cause sinus bradycardia, first degree heart block and second degree heart block type one.

3) Acute Lateral MI: represents the circumflex. This shows up (in the other leads) I, AVL, V5, V6. This may cause LV dysfunction.

Really if you know the first 2, you will know A LOT of what you will need to know for your practice, since most MI's will be one of these. And you are correct in that a 12 lead EKG to a Cardiologist's eye says a lot more than to mine. But, as an ICU nurse, I believe they expect me to know these basics and will ask. "what leads do you see changes".

So, nyforlove, it really comes down to what you want to know for your practice. Personally, this has been a very important skill to have. An MD has a lot of respect for you. As I work my "other" job which is a busy ED, to have that knowledge has "wowed" a few of the physicians around. And I am just talking those 3 basic MI's!! Pretty cool information to know!

There is no judgment intended here. Please know that I support you in your journey, whatever you decide!! Good luck studying!! What day is your test? :p:p:p

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Specializes in ICU, Cardiac Cath/EPS Labs.

Thanks! My test is scheduled for July 10th!

There are only 3 basic MI's that I find important to know for my practice (and this is what I learned in my ICU class at my facility)

1) Acute Anterior MI: this represents the left coronary artery. (this MI is often the most critical) it shows up in V1-V4. May cause: pump failure (be ready for a balloon pump) second degree heart block type 2 and third degree heart blocks.

2) Acute Inferior MI: represents the right coronary artery. This shows up in leads II, III and AVF. this may cause sinus bradycardia, first degree heart block and second degree heart block type one.

3) Acute Lateral MI: represents the circumflex. This shows up (in the other leads) I, AVL, V5, V6. This may cause LV dysfunction.

Really if you know the first 2, you will know A LOT of what you will need to know for your practice, since most MI's will be one of these. And you are correct in that a 12 lead EKG to a Cardiologist's eye says a lot more than to mine. But, as an ICU nurse, I believe they expect me to know these basics and will ask. "what leads do you see changes".

So, nyforlove, it really comes down to what you want to know for your practice. Personally, this has been a very important skill to have. An MD has a lot of respect for you. As I work my "other" job which is a busy ED, to have that knowledge has "wowed" a few of the physicians around. And I am just talking those 3 basic MI's!! Pretty cool information to know!

There is no judgment intended here. Please know that I support you in your journey, whatever you decide!! Good luck studying!! What day is your test? :p:p:p

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Specializes in ER/ICU/PACU/ Nurse Anesthetist.

Just wanted to share that I passed CMC today!

I continued reviewing cardiac (more in-depth though) after taking CCRN and was inspired to go for it and I'm glad I did! :yeah:

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Specializes in CCRN.
Hello to all who are studying and those who are already pass the CCRN. I am beginning to study, I have Laura Gasparis dvd's and her book, Pass ccrn, and Med-Ed CCRN exam review. Any feedback about Med-Ed? deeDawntee is it possible you can PM me the tips you have about the CCRN and what to memorized. I noticed that no one has posted on the thread since June 11th, where is everybody am I the only one studying?

Hi guys. I was planning on taking the CCRN last fall. My father suffered from ESRD and I needed to spend the time with him, not studying. After his death I was enrolled in classes working toward my BSN and thought I would resume thinking about the CCRN this fall once that was completed. I decided to take the summer off of classes and cannot see wasting this eight weeks so... I have decided to study for CCRN. If I feel I am ready I will take the exam the end of August, before my classes start again. I have the Gasparis videos (LOVE them!) and Pass CCRN. I will probably be stopping by for encouragement. I want this BAD! I don't get any big incentive from work I just want to feel as if I know my stuff. My problem is that I am a bit (LOL) of an overacheiver and am afraid of failure. I know I do not have to tell anyone that I am taking the test and if I am not successful the first time out no one needs to know. That said, I'm afraid of letting myself down. Okay, I've said it out loud now it's time to study!

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Specializes in CCRN.
Just wanted to share that I passed CMC today!

I continued reviewing cardiac (more in-depth though) after taking CCRN and was inspired to go for it and I'm glad I did! :yeah:

Congrats! How long after the CCRN did you sit for the CMC?

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Specializes in CTICU.
Just wanted to share that I passed CMC today!

I continued reviewing cardiac (more in-depth though) after taking CCRN and was inspired to go for it and I'm glad I did! :yeah:

Congrats!! Can you tell us some more about how and what you studied, and how you found the test??

NY, I so vehemently disagree with you about nurses understanding ECGs. I did a critical care course for a year, which did include a lot of ECG courses, but most good ICU nurses I know are very familiar with 12 leads - and could certainly explain what each "lead" of the 12 lead means (see Einthoven's triangle). Dawn gave you a great summary of the stuff to learn as a basic requirement for CCRN. The type of MI has huge implications for what adverse effects you can expect of your patient, so it's not just memorization, it needs to be understood.

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