New Grad interested in CCRN

Specialties Critical

Published

Hello,

I currently started working in the ICU 4 months ago. I wanted to ask when would be a good time to start studying for the CCRN. and what resources would be good to study from?

thank you.

Specializes in Critical Care, Capacity/Bed Management.

I commend you for wanting to pursue certification in your specialty, however I wouldn't recommend studying until you have been in critical care for at least 2 years.

At this time in your career you should focus on becoming competent and proficient, which can take up to a year or more for some individuals. There are tons of study materials such as DVD's, books, online and in-person review classes. Figure out your learning style and choose one that fits best for you.

Also, make sure to log on to the AACN website and review the CCRN requirements. Best of luck!

I'm sure you know that to qualify for the exam you must reach a minimal amount of ICU hours before applying, 1750 hours in two years with 875 hours accrued in the most recent year. Once you apply, you have 90 days to test, max. For me, I have been an ICU nurse for years, but I studied for three months using Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio videos and the Pass CCRN online question bank. It worked well for me. Good luck to you!

Specializes in Cardiothoracic ICU.

My response is likely to echo what's already been said above. Having started out as a new grad in critical care myself, I know it's a very exciting time; you're learning so much and you can't wait to put this new knowledge to use (and to test!) I would strongly urge you to take root in your new grad program and your unit prior to formally "studying" for the CCRN. Learn your hemodynamics. Learn your drips. Learn about your vent settings. Learn everything you can about the commonly seen devices in your unit. Learn about the disease processes you commonly see in your unit.

After about a year to a year and a half you'll have a decent knowledge base (depending on your unit and how ambitious you are in your learning). At that time, I'd encourage you to buckle down and start prepping for certification. Go ahead and purchase a book now; use it as a guide for what you encounter out on the unit. But, from personal experience, I found that my critical thinking just wasn't at a CCRN level until I'd been out on the unit for at least a year, probably even more. And, regardless, you can't test until you've acquired the equivalent to a years' worth of time hours in bedside practice, and orientation and classroom hours do not count.

I know that's probably not the answer you were hoping for and I don't-in ANY WAY-mean to discourage you. I'm so excited for new grads who are passionate about critical care; your all's enthusiasm and zest for the industry is truly refreshing! I just feel it would be most beneficial to you in the long run to focus on really mastering your unit first, then moving onto certification.

Best of luck with your future endeavors!

I'm going to go against the grain a bit and tell you that I think it is beneficial to "study" for the CCRN as a new grad. You won't be taking it any time soon obviouisly but the resources you use to study for the exam are all very specific to critical care.

I got my CCRN a year and a half after starting in the ICU. Studying for the CCRN made me more confident and comfortable in the ICU. I used Barron's CCRN and Pass CCRN! (mainly for the question bank).

Critical Care Nursing | Intensive RN

Start studying now. The more critical care knowledge you can apply to real life patients the better off you and your patients will be. It will also make you more comfortable taking care of critical patients. Most of the time if a person is uncomfortable in a situation - its because there is a knowledge deficit. Study now. By the time you meet requirements to sit for the exam, you'll be ready. Good luck!

Specializes in Critical Care.

FWIW

I was nursing home to ICU watched Laura gasparis about half of it. Got bored. Went to a Meded review. Took the test at first eligibility so about 1 year failed. Studied about half a day on topics I was weak on. Took it two weeks later and passed.

In order to take the CCRN you must have 2 years experience. I wouldn't start studying until closer to those two years. You need to become comfortable with medications, abgs/vents, and cardiac. I used the Evolve Elsevier book and online questions to study. I found them incredibly helpful. Hope this helps! Best of luck!

Specializes in Critical Care.

I agree with beginning studying as soon as possible. There is nothing you can lose by gaining more information that can help your patients. You need 1750 hours of direct patient care, with you being the primary nurse assigned to the patient, before you are able to take the CCRN.

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