An in-depth guide on how to become a certified critical care nurse.
A certified critical-care nurse (CCRN) works with critically ill or injured adult, neonatal and pediatric patients. One is often assigned to trauma, emergency or intensive care units.
A CCRN certification, organized by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), is necessary to work in the critical care nursing field. The certification ensures you have an up-to-date knowledge base of acute or critical care practices. If you want to be a certified critical-care nurse, you must meet the requirements set by the AACN to qualify for the certification.
Meet the requirements
A person who intends to become a certified critical-care nurse must be a registered nurse (RN) or an advanced-practice registered nurse (APRN). Applicants must also submit proof they have practiced as a registered nurse in the immediate care of critically injured or ill patients for at least 1,750 hours within 24 months prior to their application. Fifty percent of this time requirement, or 875 hours, must fall within the most recent 12-month period preceding the application for CCRN certification. These hours must be accrued in the United States or in an approved overseas hospital or facility.
Undergraduate practices don't count, unless you are acting as a supervisor or a manager over other nurses.
An application fee also applies, which usually amounts to more than $200 for first-time CCRN exam takers.
Prepare for the CCRN exam
The CCRN exam consists of 150 multiple-choice items, 125 of which are scored while the other 25 items do not count toward the total score and will be evaluated for possible inclusion in future examinations.
When studying, you should focus on the subject of clinical judgment, including cardiovascular, endocrine, pulmonary, hematology and immunity, gastrointestinal, neurology, renal and multisystem issues, which make up 80 percent of the exam. Twenty percent of the exam concerns ethical practices and the professional care of age-specific patients.
The certification exam must be completed within a three-hour period. You can get a copy of the AACN exam handbook on the organization's official website to get more information about the CCRN test. This nursing certification exam is regularly administered by Applied Measurement Professionals.
Many hospitals and facilities pay or reimburse the examination fees and other costs associated with a CCRN certification or a CCRN renewal, but not all of them do.
Subspecialties of a CCRN
After passing the CCRN certification exam, you can then apply for a subspecialty certification, such as a cardiac medicine certification (CMC) or a cardiac surgery certification (CSC). Many hospitals offer better benefits or higher salaries to a certified nurse who has both a nursing certification and a subspecialty.
Earning a subspecialty also demonstrates your dedication to and knowledge of your chosen field.
Do it
A nursing certification demonstrates a nurse's education and professional knowledge, and also enhances advancement opportunities. It verifies a nurse's skills and abilities and helps that individual achieve personal goals. Earn your's today!
Photo credit: A certified critical care nurse uses a heart monitor by brykmantra via Compfight CC.