CCRN test: how bad is it really?

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Specializes in CCRN-MICU_SICU_CCU.

I have to take the CCRN exam in the next few months. I've been preparing for this off and on for a few years but am still only getting in the 60% range in the AACN core review book. I am now in a charge nurse position and my manager wants all of us to be CCRN certified. Has anyone taken this recently?

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Specializes in Home Health, Primary Care.

I'm probably not going to take it for another year or so, but I'm also curious as to how it is. Looking forward to hearing more about it.

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I took it last fall and didn't really think it was that bad. I bought the Pass CCRN book and studied only the Cd-Rom that came with it (the book is way too detailed) for about 1-2 weeks. Just brush up on shock states and swan numbers and you will be fine. I was really nervous b/c I kept hearing how hard it was but I only missed 6 questions!

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My test is scheduled for 9/6. I, too, have received lower-than-expected scores on practice tests. Just when I think I'm prepared . . . well, you know what I'm talking about.

I HAVE to pass this exam the first time, I'm NOT doing it again!!!! Any helpful hints to share to a future CCRN?

Thanks in advance.

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I passed!

Zinobile,

RN, CCRN :)

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Specializes in CCRN-MICU_SICU_CCU.
Zinobile said:
I passed!

Zinobile,

RN, CCRN ?

Congratulations!!! How was the test?

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Specializes in Home Health, Primary Care.

CONGRATS!!!! What was it like?

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I found it to be a challenging exam that was very much like what I studied in my Laura Gasparis review book. Many questions were given that set up a clinical picture (know your lab normal values cause you will not be given normal ranges) and ask for appropriate nursing interventions.

I think that the breakdown of different types of questions as stated in the testing handbook from the AACN is accurate, the largest portion being cardiac, etc. Know drips!

Best wishes to anyone taking it! My advice: study hard and take it and keep in mind that you can always re-take it. It's not like the NCLEX where if you fail you won't get to work as an RN and get paid better. If you qualify to sit for the exam, there's no better personal reward than to stretch toward certification!

Zinobile,

RN, CCRN

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency.

just like any other test.. if you know the material, it's passable.. gasparis helped and a good ccrn book (pass ccrn is overkill with info.) most important are doing questions with rationale.. many questions.. if you can learn cardiac and pulmonary well, that makes up nearly 50% of the test.. the rest is pretty straight forward.. good luck!!

by the way, i thought the RN boards were more nerve-racking!!!!!!!!!:uhoh21:

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Specializes in ICU, Education.

I joined this site, because I was hoping to find more sample questions. It is very diffiuclt to find them on line. I suppose i will have to spend more money. I just appliled to take it.

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Specializes in critical care, med/surg.

Pass CCRN, Robin Dennison, the book. Buy that, learn your anatomy and physiology and you can figure out the rest. I took it after studying for 6 months...a long time you say? Maybe but I was a new ADN with just enough hours and a couple other RN'S who'd been in the unit for years failed so that intimidated me. The AACN is a worthwhile org. to be a part of as you will find out if you pursue your nursing ed. career.

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Specializes in CCRN-MICU_SICU_CCU.

i am taking the test on Nov 1 9AM!!!!!! A little anxiety here! My employer sent me to a review class, they guarantee that I will pass. I hope they are right. The people I work with are telling me I'll pass. I can't help but think that they must think I am smarter than I really am. lol. I work in a unit where only one person is CCRN certified, I would love to be the second.

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