PCCN Certification 2018

[Cannary22, BSN]

Hi everyone,

I hope y'all are doing well. I am posting this topic specially to RN's who already passed the PCCN test but others are more than welcome to comment ������.

I am hoping to get some good feedback regarding PCCN certification exam.

I am currently preparing to take the exam and based on how I did with q&a, I believe I need a little more time to brush on my contents, I work in progressive care unit just a little over a year which is very heavy on cardiac patients. I have MS experience prior moving to PCU.

I am just wondering if anyone can tell me how you prepared? What is the name of the materials you used to study? How long did you prepare? Is there any strategies you used to tackle the questions? Last thing, how would you rate it compare to nclex questions?

I appreciate any reply and your time.

Thank you so much.

[PCnurse88]

I used:

1) Ace the PCCN You Can Do It, review questions by Nicole Kupchick

2) AACN's Essentials of Progressive Care Nursing

3) PCCN Exam Practice Questions by Mometrix

4) The AACN's progressive care nurse review course, with accompanying printable handouts

I to transitioned from medsurg to progressive care, but had been in progressive care about a year and a half when I took the exam (my unit is also heavy on the cardiac patients). I would do the random question here or there, but really started studying about a month beforehand- however, I was also on sick leave for a week during that time and was housebound, so I had a lot of free time on my hands and no heavy lifting allowed.

Practice questions helped me remember how nursing exams form questions. It was formatted somewhat similarly to NCLEX, but not as long (at least not for me), and I didn't think it was as hard. Heavily cardiac and pulmonary. The AACN provides a blueprint which breaks down the % of each system asked about.

Best of luck!

[Cannary22, BSN]

@PCnurse88 I so appreciate your response, this will help a lot. Thank you.

[cleback]

1)Ahrens review book... although it hasn't been updated in a few years and I noticed some cardiac meds on the 2016 test that were not covered

2)The aacn releases review modules that I found helpful. They're kind of pricey but I don't get reimbursement for a failed test... so it was worth it in my case.

3)Their website also has practice test questions which are helpful.

4)Finally don't forget to review acls.... usually a couple questions along those lines.

Good luck!

[Cannary22, BSN]

@cleback thank you for your input, much appreciated.