CCRN exam?? Experiences?

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Specializes in ICU.

I'm a new ICU nurse and nurse altogether and I'm planning to take the CCRN exam this Fall. Curious to see just how doable it is with my limited experience? I am studying a CCRN review book I purchased which seems great. The test is $325 so hoping to pass on the first go round.

It seems many nurses are deathly afraid of it. Some say they studied for 1 year prior to taking it and this with 5+ years of experience in ICU.

What say you? Any tips? Words of wisdom?

TIA!

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Specializes in CCU MICU Rapid Response.

I too am in your shoes. Also a new ICU nurse and have the book and will take the exam in the fall. I took a 12 week (42 hr CEU) course as part of job requirements, but is intended as a CCRN prep. Very good, even with my limited experience. I'll be watching to see if you get great advice! Cheers~ Ivanna

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Check out our thread on the CCRN. It's long, but filled with wonderful advice...

https://allnurses.com/forums/f15/anyone-else-studying-ccrn-exam-232666.html

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I havn't been a nurse that long. Actually barely had the required hours to take the test. Granted there are some difficult questions but I don't think it's as bad as it's made out to be. I took a two day review class that helped with questions that were a little different than current thinking, and reviewed the systems. Put in a little more time with lab values and the EKG/MI. It really depends on your study habits, let that guide you on how you prepare. Do what works for you. Good Luck. Oh yea I got a $1200 bonus for passing!

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Specializes in CTICU.

Definitely study according to the exam blueprint, and attend a review class if you can or get a review cd, because they really key in to the things you MUST know to pass.

I have been in CTICU/SICU/ICU for over 10 years, studied about 2 months for this and found it challenging, but doable. I studied by doing a lot of questions, then reviewing stuff I didn't know, and question rationales. Not sure I could have done it after 1 year, but I would have tried!

The best thing you can do is get the Gasparis review, and do lots of questions.

Good luck.

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Specializes in SICU, CCU, MCU, peds, physician's office.

I am also taking the test this fall or late summer. I have several review books with lots of questions as well as a dvd seminar. I have been an ICU nurse for 2 years, but I am still not sure I will pass. It seems the more I study the dumber I get. Good luck on the exam!

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Specializes in ER/Critical Care.
It seems the more I study the dumber I get.

Haha! That's totally how I felt taking the NCLEX! I remember studying and thinking to myself "I know I passed all my nursing tests under my own brain power-how did I get through?"

And I'm in the same boat-starting to prepare for CCRN and feeling the same way. Every time I study I start to think, holy cow I don't know anything! So the studying continues....

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Specializes in CVICU.

Go For It!

I passed my CCRN last week with 1 year experience. I read the PASS CCRN book.

If you have the 1750 hrs ... just do it if you feel prepared.

I think the key was experience, the CD with practice questions, and common knowledge.

There is a lot of hemodynamics on the exam so brush up.

Kolt

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