The AACN has an online review course. That is all I used. I passed the exam first try. You also get a bunch of CEU’s when you complete the course. It was excellent. One piece of advice though. My...
Steph41 replied to CyclicalEvents's topic in Critical Care
The AACN has a review course for the CSC that gives 14 CEUs when you have done the course even without taking the test. The CMC review gives 20 credits after the course without taking the test....
Steph41 replied to conway13's topic in Critical Care
I studied very hard. I took several weeks to prepare. I found the Laura Gasparis Von Frolio videos helpful but do not rely on them as your soul study material. Some of the stuff she said aren't on the...
Since the spread of this Corona Virus and new protocols, lockdowns, school closures, etc, The ICU where I work has had a weird vibe. Then we got our first Covid-19 patient. All of the sudden, behavior...
Steph41 replied to aria_alice's topic in Critical Care
PT even if elevated is not the gold standard for Coumadin. INR is. PTT - used not just for hep but also lovenox. Beyond measuring effectiveness of meds, here is a few things to consider... 1. A huge...
I appreciate all the feedback. I definitely see the benefit of getting certified. Our unit now has 5 CCRN's out of about 30 nurses. I hope others see see the value of being certified, not just for a...
I'm from Wyoming and we do not have legalized ratios. Our policy, however, states that med/surg 5:1 maybe 6:1 on a bad day; PCU/Neuro is 4:1 but often is 5:1 b/c of staffing; ICU is 2:1 on a bad day...
I am about to finish my GRE requirement - I will be 41ish when all is said and done. On one hand those millennials are sharp and quick thats good. But life experience and critical thinking skills...
Steph41 replied to pearlbubbles's topic in Critical Care
I also used Barrons. It was my favorite. PASS CCRN was ridiculous. It went back to A&P days with amylase and pepsinogen etc. WAY too much info. The questions were overwhelming as well. I also used...
Steph41 replied to RN28KtGold's topic in Critical Care
Start studying now. The more critical care knowledge you can apply to real life patients the better off you and your patients will be. It will also make you more comfortable taking care of critical...
Some have found the Critical Care Intravenous Infusion Drug Handbook to be helpful. I have not used it. I agree with Okami that your pharmacist is a good resource. Also with multiple pressors on the...