Pediatric CCRN Question

[lweatherby]

I have a question about the clinical component of the testing requirement for pediatric CCRN. I work in a facility (not hosptial) that cares for children with long-term illnesses. Many of the children will be on vents for the rest of their lives and some will eventually be weaned off the vent. Many of the children receive feedings through feeding tubes that may or may not be permanent. These children have a variety of illnesses requiring a variety of skills. I am new to the facility so I don't know the specifics of every child.

Will work at this facility qualify me to take the pediatric CCRN test? I am not sure if the hours must be obtained in a hosptial ICU or if caring for these children will qualify as well.

Thank you!

[chare]

the following was taken from the aacn's initial ccrn certification page.

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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.

while my interpretation, based upon the above paragraph, is that you would technically meet the practice hour's requirement you might want to contact the aacn certification corporation for final determination.

be aware that the ccrn examination covers more body systems than pulmonary, and there are many conditions in which you might have little, or no exposure.

if you are considering taking the ccrn you might invest in a copy of core curriculum for pediatric critical care nursing.

i hope this information was helpful, and good luck!