Want to become a certified critical care nurse? Getting your CCRN is a big step. This guide helps you understand what it takes to qualify, especially using the direct care pathway.
First things first, you need to meet certain requirements to even sit for the CCRN exam. These requirements cover your RN license and your experience.
You must have a current and unencumbered RN or APRN license in the United States.
This is where it gets a bit more detailed. There are two pathways to eligibility based on your work hours. We'll focus on the direct care pathway here.
The direct care pathway focuses on the hours you spend directly caring for critically ill patients.
You need to have completed 1750 hours in direct care of critically ill adult patients within the previous two years from the date of application. Alternatively, you can complete 2000 hours within the past five years.
What exactly counts as direct care? This is a common question. Direct care involves continuously monitoring and assessing critically ill patients. It includes things like:
Essentially, its the hands-on care you provide that directly impacts the patients outcome.
Let's recap the steps to qualify for the CCRN exam using the direct care pathway:
The AACN (American Association of Critical-Care Nurses) administers the CCRN exam. Make sure you check their official website for the most up-to-date information and detailed guidelines. They have specific definitions and examples of what counts as direct care. Checking AACN official website should be a priority.
Getting your CCRN certification is a rewarding accomplishment. Understanding the eligibility requirements is the first step to success. Good luck!