Passed the PCCN 8/30/2020

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Specializes in ICU, Neuroscience, Telemetry, Med/Surg.

Hi everyone! I rarely ever post here but wanted to give back somehow. I passed the PCCN this morning 8/30/2020. I used Nicole Kupchik's review course exclusively. I wanted to provide encouragement to others that are looking into getting PCCN certified. I'd love to help; ask me anything.

You can do this!

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Specializes in Emergency Room, CEN, TCRN.

Congratulations!

I had been studying for the PCCN using the AACN text book and app, but have recently accepted a position in the ED and start in a couple months. Now to switch gears and get ready for the CEN, I suppose. 

 

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Specializes in ICU, Neuroscience, Telemetry, Med/Surg.

Thank you! Congratulations on the new position! My fiance just passed the CEN 2 weeks ago also. I'd say if you can still take the PCCN, I'd absolutely do it! It's totally doable.

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Specializes in Cardiology.

Nice! I think I might try again to get my PCCN. I have the Nicole books, just have to crack them open I guess. Is that all you used?

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Specializes in ICU, Neuroscience, Telemetry, Med/Surg.

Yes, that's all I used. I used her CCRN study guide and practice exam book; I only had her CCRN version so I used those. Let me know if I can help!

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I used the same program Nicole Kupchik put together and passed the first time with flying colors. I also used the Pass PCCN book in my hospital's library to practice questions. Great Job!

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Hi! I have mine scheduled in 2 days.. I am sooo nervous. I have the mometrix PCCN exam secrets study guide that I have been focusing on because it's so straight forward. I also have Pass the PCCN! by Kathleen Farrell (in which I only read the cardiovascular chapter). I've been studying on and off for about a month. I have purchased the AACN practice test and find those really useful, however have used up all my practice questions. Are there any tips you would have for me? Thanks a bunch!

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Specializes in ICU, Neuroscience, Telemetry, Med/Surg.

Hi! You totally got this! I felt like the test was definitely cardiac heavy... identifying cardiac tamponade, HF with reduced EF, PE. Identifying which type of MI, s/sx, reading EKGs and strips. The pulmonary section is mostly identifying ARDS and knowing your ABGs. The neuro part is mostly about strokes: contralateral hemiparesis, etc. There was very little hemodynamics on my test...mostly CI, CO. I truly think you are well prepared to take this! Please let me know how else I can help!

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Just an update, I passed!! Thanks for for your help again! ?

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
On 8/30/2020 at 7:59 PM, babyisa said:

Congratulations!

I had been studying for the PCCN using the AACN text book and app, but have recently accepted a position in the ED and start in a couple months. Now to switch gears and get ready for the CEN, I suppose. 

Having taken and passed the PCCN, CCRN, Cardiac Medical Subspeciality, and CEN exams. The CEN is by far the hardest of the bunch.

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Specializes in Neuro/Stroke PCU.

Hello everyone!

I'm looking into beginning to study for the PCCN. Bought the mometrix PCCN exam secrets already (honestly just because it was the first thing that popped up when I typed in PCCN on amazon at 3am and had good reviews). It seems like theres a lot of people here who've used the Nicole Kupchik review books and course and liked those too. I'm trying to decide between purchasing that course or purchasing the PCCN review course through AACN since it's cheaper but can't find any reviews on if its worth it or not. Can anyone speak to if one is better than the other? Should I just splurge for the Nicole Kupchik package with review course and study guide/question books?

Thanks!

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Specializes in oncology, MS/tele/stepdown.
On 9/29/2020 at 12:12 AM, babyisa said:

Hi! You totally got this! I felt like the test was definitely cardiac heavy... identifying cardiac tamponade, HF with reduced EF, PE. Identifying which type of MI, s/sx, reading EKGs and strips. The pulmonary section is mostly identifying ARDS and knowing your ABGs. The neuro part is mostly about strokes: contralateral hemiparesis, etc. There was very little hemodynamics on my test...mostly CI, CO. I truly think you are well prepared to take this! Please let me know how else I can help!

Thanks for the specifics!

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