CCRN...has anyone taken it

[ninanina07]

Does anyone have tips/comments regarding this test??

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

It is challenging, but not as much as it was 'back in the day' before they separated out pedi! (yes, I AM as old as mud)

If your ICU experience has been limited to a very specialized area (ex CVICU) you'll be at a disadvantage. The wider variety of ICU patients you have cared for, the better off you'll be. There's a lot of patho-phys, but all of the items have very specific, clear answers.

Get a good review book or go online and do AACN ECCO (Essentials of Critical Care Orientation) program.

After you have your cert - remember that you have to obtain a pretty good chunk of ICU-specific CE to renew.

[mpccrn, BSN, RN]

i'm a ccrn for 20 years now. my feeling about the test is simple.......it's like medical boards without the benefit of med school. at the time i was certified, it was 80% cardiology. although i agree the more critical care experience you have is beneficial, you can still pass the test. i worked in a step down unit at the time i took the test. i have to admit i didn't study much. it was the fastest test i ever took, went with my gut feeling and moved on to the next question. good luck!