How to prepare for the CCRN

Pass CCRN by Robin Donohoe Dennison

http://www.robindennison.com/passccrn.html

Good stuff.

I took it and have maintained it since 1985, but next time it runs out, I am letting it lapse (no longer in CC and now I have to masintain CCM.)

This is what I did...

I bought the AACN Clinical Reference Guide, the text, not the outline book.

I read all the applicable sections from the book that related to the test material outline that comes with the application, it's also probably on the website or linked from http://www.aacn.org . This took me about 6 months of 2 hrs of reading/studying every night.

I went to Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio's "2-Day CCRN Cram Review" which was fabulous! Got a several pages of "pearls" of wisdom, little rhymes and blurbs to help the info stick, and I know for a fact it helped me through several questions.

Then I got her practice question books, and used anyone else's practice question books who would lend them, I spent the month before just doing hundred's of practice questions. Pick books which have the rationale for the right and wrong answers.

When I took my test, I didn't really think it was too hard, because I really prepared well for it. Many people make the mistake of thinking that because they have a lot of experience, they can sail through it, but it really isn't worth it. I remember coming out and 2 other people were discussing a phenomenon that happens with insulin admin, I can't even remember it now, because I only heard of it from the text book. They said how they had each picked a different answer and asked each other what was that syndrome anyway, I never heard of it. But luckily, since I really studied, it was right in the book. When I finished that test, I knew I aced it, and I did.

I certainly can't speak for how hard it is now, but there are dozens of study guides and materials available to help you pass.

Is it worth it? I was very proud when I got mine. I didn't have my BSN, so for me personally, it said "even tho I am not a BSN, I am competent in critical care by national standards." Not to mention the benefits to my patients that resulted from all that studying. Now, they have the advanced practice CCRN, it has some other initials, and for me, it seemed to take away the personal value I had for it. It is like now it is less --for me-- because the advanced practice CCRN implies greater...knowledge?? I don't know, I can't really put it into words.

Ask yourself why you want to take it, what is your own motivation?

Is there a pay incentive at work? Will they pay for your exam fees? or, will it allow you to move up your clinical ladder?

Depending on what your own personal answers are, you will get a better sense of it is worth it --for you.

I'm a diploma nurse working in a CVIVU. Hospital is going to pay 1200 dollars a year if I pass.

Plus I thought it would look good on my resume when I move back to Canada being that they have gotten rid of the diploma nurse program. They want a minimum of a BSN now for jobs. Though they still will hire a diploma nurse with experience.

Thanks so much for your reply!:)

Hello-

I am presently preparing to take the CCRN. The material is at times in most study texts overwhelming. (I have reviewed many!) I have decided to stick with one text and one workbook (same author). After speaking with collegues at professional meetings the advise I have recieved is study, study, study- but don't get caught up in the small details. Patient safety points are still key as in the NCLEX. I hope to be the first CCRN in our small community hospital ICU.

Best of luck to you!

Dan

I'm also studying to take the CCRN exam, hopefully in September. I have Pass CCRN and I try to study every week. I hear the same thing from colleagues to keep studying. So, I continue to study. I wish you well.

.....I am taking it in the morning.....I have had my CCRN since 92 and have always had to retest for renewal r/t not having enough CEs.....

They have changed the test this summer. Only 150 questions now....this could be good or bad.

I recommend going to Amazon.com, you will find reviews of the various study guides.... I think I am using "Pass CCRN' also......

Thanks for all the tips! I just got the Pass the CCRN book at Barnes and Noble bookstore. Hope it's good!:)