Would you still take the CCRN exam...?

loisane · May 12, 2004

I loved ICU, enjoyed getting my CCRN and wouldn't change that history for anything in the world.

That being said, it is history for me now. Nurse anesthesia is bumping it up to a whole new level. IMHO, there is absolutely no need to even consider maintaining CCRN once you enter anesthesia. After all, CRNA is in itself a certification, and that is the one you will want to keep up. There just is no need to be dual certified.

No, once you are a CRNA you will never work as an ICU nurse again. It just doesn't happen. If you want to work extra, there is plenty of anesthesia work out there.

CRNAs who enter education typically teach in nurse anesthesia programs. I think a CRNA would be well qualified to teach in a basic nursing program, but it would be a huge waste of talent/skills/experience because we need those people teaching in our programs! Of course, you might teach other nursing graduate students as part of your role, but anesthesia gives you a plenty good background for that.

Roland, I don't think there is an anesthesia program in Hawaii, but maybe you should plan on correcting that, and start one!

loisane crna

MaleAPRN · May 12, 2004

I took my CCRN to help me get into CRNA school and for personal reasons. I don't know if it helped but I did get in and it helped me better understand some complex concepts in critical care. I know that the education for CRNA will account for CE towards my 100 hours I need before 2006 renewl of my CCRN. I plan on maintaining my certification even after I am done with CRNA school, I figure I earned it and might as well keep it. That being said I think if I were you and had already been accepted and are in the process of moving I wouldn't do it, you are already busy and it will serve you no real purpose except to expand your knowledge but I have a feeling you will get plenty of that when school starts in Aug.

Thanks for the input. You guys are right...I'll focus more now on the upcoming schoolwork ahead. As it stands right now, I'm so busy preparing for my move and hiring realtors, moving company, packing, looking for a home in Ohio, etc, etc.

V.

jmccrn · May 12, 2004

I'd have to agree with the majority and say don't take it if you have already been accepted. I've had the certification several years and am up for renewel this year......and am not planning on renewing it. For one, it wouldn't do me any good to renew it at this point and two, I don't want to spend the $$. I had thought about going into an inactive status until I saw it still costs about $100!

CRNAsoon · May 12, 2004

I think you would fit right in with all the nursing instructors I've ever had if you hadn't seen the bedside in about 20+ years.

I have to second this quote. I recently graduated and found out that one of my most non-favorite teachers, with 20 + years experience at this school, had only worked at the bedside for six months. I was shocked, but it explained why she didn't really know much.

sonessrna · Jun 13, 2004

I think you can maintain your CCRN while in CRNA schooll because anesthesia is critical care in a way. I'm a CCRN and I think classes and clinical count as part of your CENS. I know one of the directors of one of programs where I applied was also a CCRN and he maintained his despoite being a practicing CRNA. :stone

If you have the extra money and time, go ahead and take it. It would be more initials behind your name. But, be sure you will be able to satisfy the CE requirements to keep your CCRN when it comes time to renew. I believe you have to have 100 CE's w/in 3-4 yrs. I am in school now and kind of struggling with this problem. To keep my CEN I need 100 CE and it comes up for renewal the same time that I graduate. I would check with the AACN, I have heard that in addition to CE's you have to have worked so many hours in the critical care setting to qualify for renewal.

qanik · Jun 14, 2004

"there is absolutely no need to even consider maintaining CCRN once you enter anesthesia"

We have several flight nurses who continue to fly part time after they became CRNA's. They maintain their CCRN as well as CEN and CFRN because of the requirenments of the program. There are several other flight programs in our area where CRNA's also work part time. They are talented bunch of nurses that bring a wealth of knowledge and experience with them. They are the reason I am currently in CRNA school and will continue to hold all of my certifications.

Best of luck to all.

Qanik

feelingsleepyyet · Aug 6, 2004

I am a CRNA and am also, CCRN certified. I passed the exam before embarking on my anesthesia career. The CCRN is a tough exam and I put in long long hours studying. In fact, I still recertify and keep my CCRN current. Just something else to differentiate me from my peers, if nothing else.

T.C., CRNA, MSN, CCRN, APRN

sonessrna · Aug 6, 2004

I am a CRNA and am also, CCRN certified. I passed the exam before embarking on my anesthesia career. The CCRN is a tough exam and I put in long long hours studying. In fact, I still recertify and keep my CCRN current. Just something else to differentiate me from my peers, if nothing else.
T.C., CRNA, MSN, CCRN, APRN

I took my CCRN exam after I was accepted to anesthesia school as well. I did it for my own self-satisfaction and to encourage some of my critical care co-workers to advance their knowledge base (we were taking it as a group!). It was a good experience. I will maintain mine...I worked hard for it. My classes count for my CEUS and my clinical hours definitely count toward critical care hours....so why not. But it's definitely not necessary unless you want the self-satisfaction

Trauma Columnist · Aug 6, 2004

MBrian - as to the CEN - you can use school credits for the CEU's too. Thats what I did to recert!

SambvcaSim · Aug 6, 2004

:nurse: i could not help but notice......once a nurse, always a nurse. one humbling event was the realization that i will always be a nurse...no matter if i continue on to medical school or another avenue. being a nurse should be taken with a sense of pride. we worked our asses off for many years with the least amount of recognition and pay. any why did we do it?.....for the satisfaction of taking care of people. now, i may sound corny to the few folks who got into nursing only to advance in the practice (ie: crna), but the people who have been a nurse for years prior to knowing they were going to advance, know what i mean. and, even if you are a nurse for a year or less in crna school, just remember...you still have to pay for your nursing license every couple of years .....thus, you are a nurse.

also, in remembering that "you are always a nurse", the nurses in the o.r. and pacu are your allies if you treat them with respect. they can help you tremendously, more than you know. so why chew up your roots and your allies....you may never know when that day will come when your surroundings will save your rear.

take the ccrn test only if you want to do it for your own satisfaction and accomplishment. there is something to be said when you pass the ccrn prior to advancing in your nursing practice. it is a way of saying that you have close to mastered your skill as a critical care nurse...and you are ready to take the next step in your advancement.

good luck! :nurse:

MaleAPRN · Aug 8, 2004

Very well said. Thank you.

heartICU · Aug 8, 2004

I found out that I got into CRNA school in January, yet still scheduled my CCRN exam and took it a few weeks ago (and passed). It was important to me to take and pass the test (as I had already put the work into studying for it)...after all, I was an ICU nurse first!