PCRN or CCRN

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Specializes in long-term-care, LTAC, PCU.

Hello everyone and happy holidays! I currently work on a Progressive care unit. We get all open hearts 18-24 hrs. post-op, a large majority of s/p cardiac caths, tons of a-fib, chf, and other cardiac pts. We don't have ventilators, we don't do any gtts like epi, levophed, neo, but do a lot of milrinone, cardizem, dopamine, amio, nitro, and a lot of others. I'm a new RN and after working med-surg for a few short months, I now have this PCU job that I love! I've been on pcu since mid-Sept, and have every intention of becomming certified as either a PCRN or CCRN since my unit is considered in the critical care module. I've read some info from the AACN (I'm a member) so I'm aware that I need to have 1750 or 1800 hours of work time in before I can apply. I would like to some day work in the icu so that's why I'm considering the CCRN exam. But since I don't work with vents or some of the different gtts, I thought I should stick with the PCRN. What would you all recommend? Thanks!

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Specializes in SICU.

Even though you work with some drips you do not work in an ICU, it's a step down unit. The PCRN test was designed for your area. In order to take the CCRN test you have to work the needed hours in an ICU. Get certifed in your area. later if you still want to, go to the ICU, work the needed hours and get certifed in that area. Good luck in your career plans.

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Specializes in Cardiology.

The CCRN has a lot of questions on swans, ABG interpretations, titrating mutliple vasoactive drips at one time, and ventilator weaning. I think the PCCN would be a great test for you to take with your current experience (and getting that certification shows your dedication and will show the ICU managers your commitment to your patient care when you are ready to apply to that area).

Good luck! :)

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Specializes in CVICU, Neuro ICU.

I agree with CVRN11. The CCRN test has a lot of focus on hemodynamics and asks questions based on Swann ganz measurments: cvp, pa pressure, wedge and svO2. It would be very difficult to answer these types of questions with no hands on experience. I've worked ICU for 3 years and I thought the test was diffucult.

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