CRITICAL CARE REGISTERED NURSE

Have a passion for caring for critically ill patients?

Taking a Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification recognizes nurses who have specialized knowledge in caring for critically ill patients. It demonstrates your commitment to providing evidence-based care and improving patient outcomes. CCRN-certified nurses are in high demand and are respected for their specialized skills. 

The CCRN certification is offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and is intended for nurses who work in intensive care units (ICUs), cardiac care units (CCUs), and other critical care settings.

Why CCRN?

CCRN certification offers several benefits for nurses working in critical care settings. Here are a few reasons why a nurse might choose to pursue CCRN certification:

• Demonstrate expertise:

  CCRN certification recognizes nurses who have specialized knowledge and skills in caring for critically ill patients. By obtaining this certification, nurses can demonstrate their advanced expertise in critical care nursing.

• Career advancement:

  CCRN certification can lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries. Employers often seek out CCRN-certified nurses for leadership roles and specialized positions in critical care.

• Improved patient outcomes:

  CCRN certification demonstrates a commitment to providing evidence-based care and improving patient outcomes. CCRN-certified nurses have the knowledge and skills to provide the highest quality care to critically ill patients.

• Professional development:

  Pursuing CCRN certification can help nurses stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in critical care nursing. The certification process requires ongoing learning and continuing education, which can help nurses grow and develop in their careers.

CCRN Test Plan

Content

CCRN is designed to ensure that the exam reflects the current knowledge and skills required for critical care nursing and includes the following content areas:

1. Cardiovascular:

   This content area covers the cardiovascular system and includes topics such as hemodynamics, dysrhythmia interpretation, and shock.

2. Pulmonary:

   This content area covers the respiratory system and includes topics such as oxygenation, ventilation, and acute respiratory failure.

3. Neurological:

   This content area covers the neurological system and includes topics such as intracranial pressure, seizures, and coma.

4. Renal:

   This content area covers the renal system and includes topics such as acute renal failure and electrolyte imbalances.

5. Gastrointestinal:

   This content area covers the gastrointestinal system and includes topics such as liver failure, pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

6. Endocrine:

   This content area covers the endocrine system and includes topics such as diabetes mellitus, adrenal insufficiency, and thyroid disorders.

7. Hematological/Immunological :

   This content area covers the hematological and immunological systems and includes topics such as anemia, sepsis, and transfusion reactions.

8. Multisystem:

   This content area covers the care of patients with multiple system failures and includes topics such as multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and trauma.

Test Format

The CCRN exam is a computer-based test that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers, which are located throughout the United States and in select international locations.

The CCRN exam is three hours long and is divided into two sections:

1. 1. Clinical Judgment:

      This section includes 130 multiple-choice questions that cover the clinical knowledge and decision-making skills required for critical care nursing.

   2. Professional Caring and Ethical Practice:

      This section includes 20 multiple-choice questions that cover professional standards, ethics, and patient advocacy.

The questions on the CCRN exam are written at the application and analysis level, meaning that they require candidates to apply their knowledge and critical thinking skills to real-world scenarios.

Candidates receive their exam results immediately after completing the exam. To pass the CCRN exam, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 70%.

Registration Process

The registration process for the CCRN exam is relatively straightforward. Here are the general steps:

Step 1- Check Eligibility:

Before you can register for the CCRN exam, you must first ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. These requirements include having a current, unencumbered RN license and a minimum of 1,750 hours of direct bedside care in a critical care setting within the last two years, or a minimum of 2,000 hours within the last five years.

Step 2- Create an Account:

To register for the CCRN exam, you will need to create an account on the AACN Certification Corporation’s website. This is a free process and can be done online.

Step 3- Select Exam and Testing Date:

Once you have created an account, you can select the CCRN exam and the testing date that works best for you. The exam is offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the United States and select international locations.

Step 4- Pay Exam Fee:

The CCRN exam fee is currently $285 for AACN members and $385 for non-members. You can pay the exam fee online using a credit or debit card.

Step 5- Receive Authorization to Test (ATT):

Once you have paid the exam fee, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email. This email will include important information about your exam, including the date, time, and location of your testing appointment.

Step 6- Schedule Testing Appointment:

Using the information provided in your ATT email, you can schedule your testing appointment with Pearson VUE. Be sure to schedule your appointment well in advance to ensure that you can secure a date and time that works for you.

Step 7- Study and Prepare:

Once you have registered for the exam, it’s important to spend time studying and preparing. There are a variety of study resources available, including review courses, textbooks, and online practice exams.