Cpan/capa

John,

Unless you have already worked 1800 hours in PACU or Ambulatory surgery you cannot take these cert tests. If you are eligable for these, then why not work in PACU? If you want to certify in critical care, and are eligable, the I say go for the CCRN. Having a diiferent certification in a specialty can always be a plus though. PACU is a critical care specialty area.

BTW, I am now waiting for MY CPAN results! Took test 3 weeks ago. Wish me luck!

GOOD luck to you.

To work in ICU you won't need either of those certifications. I would recommend you get experience in telemetry, take an EKG course-basic and 12 lead. I'm not sure what your background is. In our ICU we've hired nurses with telemetry experience and some with basic med/surg backgrounds. It is much easier to orient the tele nurses because they are not trying to learn tele and the particulars of critical care as opposted to the med/surg nurses who feel pressured to learn EKG rythms in addition to all the critical care stuff.

Good Luck!