Can I take the CCRN?

[silverbelle]

I have been a CVICU nurse for 11 yrs, I left last November to work for a lawfirm but plan to go back to the unit in the Spring. I wanted to take CCRN..Can I take it now since I am not currently at the bedside, but it has been less than a year since I left?? Thanks for any info ...

[Rabid Response]

from the aacn website:

practice as an rn or aprn is required for 1,750 hours in direct bedside care of acutely or critically ill patients during the previous two years, with 875 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application. eligible hours are those spent caring for the patient population (adult, pediatric or neonatal) of the exam for which you are applying. clinical practice hours for the ccrn exam or renewal eligibility must take place in a u.s.-based or canada-based facility or in a facility determined to be comparable to the u.s. standard of acute/critical care nursing practice, as evidenced by ancc magnet status or joint commission international accreditation.

http://www.aacn.org/wd/certifications/content/initial_ccrn_certification.pcms?menu=certification#initial_eligibility_requirements