CCRN and being more competitive for the ICU??

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Hey everyone!

I recently got a job in the CVICU as a PCT part time while I'm in my BSN nursing program :) So far I love the environment of the ICU and the manager and staff are so sweet. I still have a year and a half to go before graduation and really hope I could score a job on this floor! I know it'll be tough to get hired in the ICU straight from nursing school so I'm getting my ACLS certification, taking classes at the hospital, and working hard in nursing school.

My question is does anyone know if I can use my PCT ICU experience to be eligible to take the CCRN after I earn my RN? I looked at the AACN website and they were pretty vague about their eligibility requirements. Just said you need 1750 hours of patient care experience in acute/critical care setting.

Also any tips to be more competitive for a position in the ICU as a new grad would be greatly appreciated :)

Thank you!!

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Specializes in ICU.

You would need that many hours of experience as an RN in a critical care setting; tech experience wouldn't count. There's no harm in starting to study now though! CCRN study materials are always good to review:)

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Specializes in Trauma, Critical Care.

I think being a PCT in an ICU makes you competitive enough. Stay in touch with you manager and let her know you want to work there. The CCRN is hard and you will likely need actual hands on RN experience just to be able to pass regardless of how good a student you are.

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Thank you for your responses! Guess I'll just have to wait till then! But your right, it would be great review, so no harm done :)

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