taking the CCRN but don't work in ICU

[gizmopacurn]

I have a question hoping someone can answer. I have been a PACU nurse for 10 years and was hired right out of nursing school into pacu into a 6 month internship. I have taken the CPAN (certified post anesthesia nursing) exam and passed first try. I would like to take the CCRN just for my own personal quest, do you think with a lot of studying it is possible that I could pass the test? I guess even if I don't it would be a good learning experience, expensive at that, but worthwhile. Anyone else have experience with this or any advice for me?

[APRN., DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

You can go the website for the CCRN test, and take a pre-test to give you an idea if you have the knowledge base to enable you to obtain your CCRN certification.

Refer to the end of this handbook for how the exam is broken down into subsections. You will know what you have to work on from there.

http://www.aacn.org/wd/certifications/docs/ccrn-exam-handbook.pdf

[MAL, RN]

I didnt have any ICU experience before taking the CCRN. I had 4 years of PRN ER experience. I spent 3 months of studying 3-4 days a week for 2 hours a day. I passed with a 90%. The test in general is really not that hard, but you'll need to review specific things about SWANS, IABPs, Vent's, etc that are all covered in the review books. I used the Laura V-G DVD's, the AACN High Acuity Critical Care question bank, and the Pass CCRN question bank. If you do those, read the rationale, you'll get enough to pass the test. I found it much easier than the CEN

[Sun0408, ASN, RN]

Lurking only.