CCRN Eligibility

[synergy89]

I worked in a step down or progressive care floor for a year. I'm now work in the CTICU. I want to take the CCRN eventually. However, I'm a bit confused on the eligibility requirements.

Tne AACN says, "Current unencumbered licensure as an RN or APRN in the U.S. is required. Practice as a registered nurse is required for 1,750 hours in direct bedside care of acutely and/or critically ill patients during the 2-year period prior to application, with 875 of those hours accrued in the most recent 12 months preceding application."

http://www.aacn.org/WD/Certifications/Docs/CCRNFAQs.pdf

So do I need 2 years of ICU experience to apply? Or just 2 years in bedside nursing (with 1 year of them at 1,750 hrs minimum in the ICU) to take the test? Basically am I eligible to sit for the exam 1 year from now?

Thanks!

[Reno1978, BSN, RN]

There is simply a clinical hour requirement. 1 year of full-time employment (36 hours/week for 52 weeks) works out to be 1872 hours. If you've completed this in a setting where you take care of acutely (step down/progressive care floor) and/or critically ill (CTICU) patients, you're eligible. All of the hours don't necessarily have to be in the ICU if you have acute care experience elsewhere, but it'd be to your advantage and benefit to have ICU experience to succeed on the exam.

In my opinion, you're eligible now, but should wait until you feel ready - start studying now.

[Biffbradford]

So, I worked in CVICU for 12 years, sometimes taking the sickest person in the hospital, but because I've been out of work for > 1 year, I can't take it.

Nice.

What a screwed up 'profession'.

[Reno1978, BSN, RN]

Because one association's rules of eligibility for a certification exam should be the basis to form opinions on the nursing profession...