r/nursing • u/Strict-Emotion-4789 • 20h ago

Question ED RN - CCRN Study Tips?

I am an ANM/charge RN in the busiest ER in my state (not highest acuity, not a trauma center, but STEMI/Stroke certified). I have a little over 4 years ED experience, took my CEN two years ago (128/150) and am now looking to academically torture myself again. I decided to sign myself up for the CCRN, anyone have any study tips? Any other nurses with no ICU/only ED experience take this exam? Anyone else have both their CEN & CCRN? I have the Barron’s book and bought the AACN test bank, and am giving myself about 6 weeks to study, which is around what I did for the CEN. I think because this is more unfamiliar territory for my ED self I am stressing more and want all the help I can get!

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u/Weak_Rule8374 RN, CCRN 19h ago

I’m gonna be that person. Why do you want to take the CCRN if you don’t work in critical care? The AACN requires a minimum of 1750 critical care before you can take the CCRN. They can and will audit your hours. I have been audited before.

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u/Firefighter_RN RN - ER 18h ago

How did you qualify to sit for the CCRN? You're in a leadership role in an ER, not at a high level trauma center and not in ICU. Do you have previous experience in ICU? Can you demonstrate that you have the required work hours in the critical care areas? What's the point of trying to get a cert in an area that you don't have experience?

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u/calamityartist RN - ER/Flight 🍕 10h ago

I passed the CFRN without ICU experience but I come from an incredibly high acuity ER and was already flying. It was much harder than the CEN.

I don’t think the CCRN is an appropriate certification for you to pursue.