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 CT Surgery / CCU.

I'm sorry I just saw this reply! I think both the PCCN and the CCRN require CEUs to keep it up, Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that the CCRN requires a little bit more in the realm of CEUs to keep it up, you have to have so many over the course of a couple years. It's not that big of a deal I don't think, you have to have so many anyway to keep up your license, etc. (at least in NC you have to where I am)

I love the CCU! It's a totally different world than Surgery. Although, i do pick up from time to time in the CTICU just to keep my toes wet with surgery :) Its hard work, but you will never stop learning. I work in a level 1 hospital so we get the sickest of the sick waiting for transplants. We also do a lot of conscious sedation, Induced hyporthermia, Swans, balloons, Pressors, inotropes, etc.

Just keep reading and learning as much as you can! You'll be great! :)

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.
Thanks for the reply! So, if I go that route, do you know what it takes to keep up with both certifications?

According to the AACN, both the PCCN and CCRN require 100 CERPs (Continuing Education Recognition Points) in various categories (A, B, & C). Check out http://www.certcorp.org. You also have the option of retaking the exam.

Right now I am studying for the PCCN. I work in progressive care. I think I would eventually like to end up in a CCU or CTICU/CVICU. I'm using the Pass CCRN! book to study along with listening to the CCRN podcasts on iTunes, which are very informative.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

So just wondering, what was harder...the NCLEX or the PCCN/CCRN? :lol2:

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I took the PCCN and passed... I mainly studied the Laura gasperis question book and the study guide she gives out at her review. Someone at my facility has both the ccrn and pccn and said they were almost the same test except the pccn doesn't have swans and such. I would highly encourage all cc nurses to seek certifications!

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Just passed CCRN with a score of 103/125. I probably studied on and off for a few months. I used Laura Gasparis's DVDs, her CCRN questions book and the Pass CCRN cd. I was usually getting high 60s-low 70s on the practice tests on the cd and book. Good luck all.

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I just took CCRN and I used Gasparis DVD watched them and took notes. She sends you a book with all her slides so I took notes in that book. Then 95 percent of my time was focused on doing pass CCRN questions by Dennison. I honestly believe that if you practice questions you will be successful. Also just make sure you fully understand the rationales. Also review your basic critical care knowledge such as the types of shock and hemodynamics of it. DI and SIADH lab values serum and urine. Neuro review your normal ICP, how to tell if you have CSF drainage. . . Basically Gasparis review should be enough. So overall spend time reviewing do a lot of practice questions and review your rationales.

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Congrats to all the CCRN. I'm currently studying with PASS CCRN online questions, AACN and LG cd's from 2004. Anyone else use the older CD's for studying? I'm scoring in the mid 60-70's. Scheduled in a few days but thinking I need more time any suggestion?

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Specializes in ICU, academia.

I'm studying for the CCRN as well. I'm using the pass CCRN question bank. I might be purchasing the Laura G DVDs soon. I'm planning on taking it late next month.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

For those of you who have taken the exam, do you have any advice for the "Professional Caring and Ethical Practice" section? I am surprised that it is 20% of the exam...same as CV! Are these questions common sense, or would it be worth studying that section in the Pass CCRN book? I would prefer to focus my time on the other sections. Any advice? Thanks!

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I would recommend going to a seminar. Cammy House Fancher is excellent. Laura Gasparis is funny but felt what I learned at seminar was covered more on my test. I passed first time. ICU nurse for 10 years.

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Anyone have Laura Gasparis DVD's or CD's you're looking to get rid of? I've been using PASS CCRN by Dennison but would like extra material to study. Taking the CCRN in one month and am very nervous. The test plan is also changing, has anyone else run into this issue with scheduling your test? The old test plan expires Oct 15th, and a new one begins. Not sure if I should rush to take the old one or wait to take the new one? Super nervous for this test. Been working in an ICU for 2.5 years and loving it! :)

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Tried to purchase Laura Gasparis' DVD set.. is it true that it's $700? Where can I buy these cheaper? Thanks in advance!

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