PCCN tips

Specialties Cardiac

Published

Just passed the PCCN. I am a tele and not a step down nurse so at first I felt I was at a disadvantage regarding drips, etc.

However, if you are on a tele floor that gets pacemakers, cardiac cath patients, PE's and COPD then you have plenty of experience to pass this test.

Here is what I recommend studying:

Cardiac, Cardiac, Cardiac - know ACLS, pericarditis, murmurs - stenosis and regurgitation, heart failure, WPW, Brugada, EKG - what vessels supply what parts of the heart and which leads monitor which part of the heart, endocarditis, heart failure, vascular disease, arterial occlusion and PAD.

ABGs, COPD, Sleep Apnea, and status asthmatics

Diabetes, esp hypoglycemia and DKA

Surgical concerns

The questions that were most representative of those on the test were these from the AACN PCCN Exam Handbook. Also did questions from other sources, but they were not as representative as what you will actually see on the test.

Practice PCCN Exam Questions

Good luck. Hope this helps.

Congratulations! Passing the PCCN exam is a great achievement. It validates your knowledge as a PCCN nurse. It is well recognized by many PCU/step down departments. You have an extra advantage if you ever want a job at another PCU department.

Job well done!

thank you for these tips. planning to take the test this year. I'm gonna start studying! Congratulation! :)

+ Add a Comment