New to ICU

Hi,

I'm new to critical care (to be exact, about 3 months). I was wondering if it is worth joining the AACN; what are the benefits?

(Background: I have 2 years of Cardiac-Telemetry/Medical-Surgical experience, I also did some school nursing to be more comfortable around treating some kids).

I'm still learning A LOT of new things in my ICU/CVICU (Swanz, balloon pumps, DRIPS!) so I was wondering if I should wait it out before joining the AACN.

Also, when would be a good time for me to take my CCRN exam? After a year of ICU/SICU experience?

I think for my hospital, they reimburse us for the exam fee if we pass it on the first try, and I believe we get an extra $1/hr.

Thanks.

Hi! I've been working in the CTICU for about 2 years. I didn't join the AACN until I was ready to take the CCRN exam which was after a little over a year. You need a year experience before you can sit for the exam. I studied for about 2 months and took the exam after a year and a half of working. I recommend the Pass CCRN! questions for practice.

The AACN sends their nursing journal through the mail. If you like journals, then you can join anytime. Another benefit is they have CEUs/CERPs on their website which you can use for CCRN renewal and they keep track of the CEUs that you have completed. Hope this helped! Good luck!