Passing the CCRN exam

[ADMIN]

Many people ask what has been most helpful in passing the CCRN exam. It is true that the CRNA schools prefer this cert.

What have your strategies been for passing?

What questions do those who havent taken it have?

[Captain Quinn]

I just passed it a month ago. Here is exactly what I did.

1. I listend to Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio's CCRN review CD's and took notes during each lecture. This was the only time I listened to it, but I thought it was great.
2. I would do the practice questions from her book of questions, and the PASS CCRN Cd that comes with that book. Before I did a section of questions, I would review the notes from the Gasparis section covering that area.
3. I then concentrated on the area I was least experienced, and tried to make it my strength.
4. I then called the AACN and asked what a passing score was and they said roughly 70%.
4. Then after i was getting about a 75% on all the practice questions I paid the $50 bucks for the practice test AACN offers. I used it as a warm up for the real thing and I scored 80% on it and then in a week I took the real thing and got 80% on it.


Of course, my background of working in a big icu for a year and knowing ACLS front and back helped a lot. As did quizzing and reading the guys and girls on here.


good luck

aos

[vigilent1]

That played NO part in my CRNA school. ICU experience did...I also worked ER and other places but CAMC in WV did not require it and I did fine w/o it. I considered taking it but realized that it was more alphabet soup behind my name and gave me no more money in the end and since it was not required ....I did not waste the money. Learning is never wasted...so do what you want. I don't see it is necessary unless your school requires it. Essentially you can buy a good cardionursing book and learn what you want w/o the alphabet soup behind your name. I find it just makes me buy more pens from Sam's Club.....ha ha ha...
Good Luck.

[MmacFN]

hey V

I have had many people say that being able to pass those cert exams are suggestive that an applicant will be ready for standardized testing such as the boards.

Also, it is current preferred by just about every program. I wont say it makes a difference in actual practice, but it certianly does set you apart from those who havent done it as it says you go he extra mile and have quantitatively evidenced that by passing the CCRN. An interview committee cannot tell how good an RN you are by reading your resume or a 30 min interview, at least this gives some sortof marker.

[FutrCRNA]

My school requires it so I had no choice. I used the same book by Vonfrolio that is mentioned above. It was very helpful since the questions are very similar to the CCRN exam. (I'm not saying they are the same, just similar.)

Funny thing about getting the CCRN, they told me at work not to put it on my badge (I did anyway) b/c then I would be "held to a higher standard" than other nurses. Not even going to get on my soapbox about that...

[MmacFN]

Trac.

Thats jealousy, ignore it. While i dont put it everywhere, i do place my certs. on my name badge in the hospital as well as my flightsuit name tag. Be proud of your accomplishments!

[FutrCRNA]

Trac.

Thats jealousy, ignore it. While i dont put it everywhere, i do place my certs. on my name badge in the hospital as well as my flightsuit name tag. Be proud of your accomplishments!


Oh, I am. I just think it's pathetic that a hospital (well, people in my unit) would discourage nurses from pursuing clinical excellence b/c we might be held to a "higher standard". Just seems like one more effort to keep nurses as mindless handmaidens instead of critically-thinking, competent professionals. Go figure...

[abowles]

The best thing that I have seen out there so far is the Prodigy Anesthesia computer simulated practice exams. I think it's a great study aid and it's the only thing currently available that will actually give a chance to practice computer testing.

[gobucks1013]

Funny you should mention that issue b/c the hospital I worked at prior to going back to school wouldn't even let me put BSN on my name badge!!

How F'd up is that?!