CPN and CCRN for Peds Clarification

[NYSNOWBUNNY007]

Hello Pedi Nurses!

I am very happy to finally be a part of a Peds Team in a Hospital...I have a question for the seasoned Peds Nurse...or anyone else who may know :) What is the difference between the CPN cert vs CCRN in peds...and is it possible or would it be a good idea to get both certifications?..I was researching the CCRN for peds but i came across many ...and I mean MANY certification specializations under CCRN...can someone shed some light on these certifications?...thanks in advance!

[meandragonbrett]

CPN is a generalized exam resulting in being a Certified Pediatric Nurse.

CCRN is board certification in critical care whether it be the adult, neonatal, or pediatric exams

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Ditto.....

[NYSNOWBUNNY007]

CPN is a generalized exam resulting in being a Certified Pediatric Nurse.

CCRN is board certification in critical care whether it be the adult, neonatal, or pediatric exams

LOL! ...thank you meandragonbrett...I did see that one is more generalized...Its interesting that the CCRN certification is broken down into sooo many specialties...I always thought that the CCRN was another examination specializing in just general critical care of adults, peds, nicu etc...was not aware that it went into more specific specializations....

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

As many of the PICU nurses who were nurses in adult-based ICUs can tell you, there's a WORLD of difference! Everything from the variety of comorbidities, types of surgical procedures performed, ventilation strategies, pharmacologic treatment and drug dosages is different. Basic critical care is a common pathway, but literally everything else is different. I recently preceptored a very experienced adult ICU nurse who made the move to our PICU and she was floored by how much she had to learn. She's going to be great once she gets over the shock!