Is it too late...

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...to sit for the CCRN exam? I worked 7 years in ICU and 1.5 years in another critical care area. My husband and I are reolcating and I just accepted a position in a large cardiology practice as their sole CT nurse for cardiac CTs. I will be pushing IV metoprolol and NTG do decrease the pt's HR and vasodilate for their CT as well as monitoring pts on telemetry. This position requires ACLS (which I am certified), but the patients are outpatients, which I suspect disqualifies me. I know I should've taken the exam before leaving critical care, but I kept putting it off. :sniff:

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Sounds like outpatient critical care...:redbeathe

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, Emergency, SAFE.

I would take it now if you really want it. Per the CCRN website:

Practice as an RN or APRN is required for 1,750 hours in direct bedside care of acutely or critically ill patients during the previous two years, with 875 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application. Eligible hours are those spent caring for the patient population (adult, pediatric or neonatal) of the exam for which you are applying. Clinical practice hours for the CCRN exam or renewal eligibility must take place in a U.S.-based or Canada-based facility or in a facility determined to be comparable to the U.S. standard of acute/critical care nursing practice, as evidenced by ANCC Magnet Status or Joint Commission International accreditation.

Direct bedside care doesnt sounds like what youre doing. Then again that is my opinion, calll them to make sure. Also, if youre going to be doing the CT thing, you wont be eligible for renewal since youre still not doing bedside care. Unless, the AACN accepts what youre doing now as critical care, I feel it may be pointless.

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.

Go for it!!! I'm planning on taking the PCCN.

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