Tele experience for CCRN?

[catlady, BSN, RN]

I first earned my CCRN in 1989 while working in CCU, and recertified thereafter for my SICU experience.

Now I am working on a busy urban tele unit, and want to know if this will qualify for the clinical practice hours for my next recert. On this unit, we monitor and pull sheaths pre- and post-cardiac cath, administer amiodarone and other antiarrhythmic drips, sometimes have dobutamine and dopamine, manage central lines (no swans or art lines, though), care for fresh pacers/AICDs, and, of course, monitor tele.

I remember the days when an applicant had to meet a specified number of skills, and I know that's no longer the case. I did review the current list of "suggested" skills for the CCRN applicant, and it seems like tele would meet a fair number of them.

Would I be justified in using my tele experience for my recertification, or will I have to find a way to work in ICU? Thanks for any help.

[ALCCRN]

I have my recert packet for CCRN here and it states, "While high acuity patients are still cared for in ICU/CCU settings, many patients traditionally cared for in these areas may now be admitted to, and cared for in, a variety of settings such as Emergency Department, Trauma Unit, Interventional Radiology/Cardiology, and Critical Care Transport/Flight. Certain other units with high acuity patients may also be eligible; please contact AACN Certification Corporation to inquire."

Don't know if this helps or not.....sounds like you're in that inquiring category...