Here was my strategy for studying for the CCRN exam:
1.) I bought Nicole Kupchik's online review course and I found it quite helpful. You an go at your own pace and there are practice questions in the lectures to make sure you understand the material as you go. There’s many similar online review courses out there.
2.) Since I liked Kupchik’s content I also got her book- “Ace the CCRN, You can do it!”. There’s a large bank of questions with and the rationales behind the correct answers. Reading through the rationales for questions I got incorrect helped a lot.
3.) I took the AACN self assessment exam. It costs about $50 and has 60 questions. The format is exactly like the CCRN and they send you back results by section, so you’ll have a good idea if your ready for the real test.
Hopefully this helps, and good luck to everyone taking the exam! :)
Join AACN and read every journal article. Some articles offer CEU’s. Read them all and Take every test. You will not only gain current knowledge and get free CEU’s if you are a member. I clearly remember when I took my CCRN many years ago, while I was taking the test I recalled reading the information in the journals. Best of luck.
Also, once you pass your test, continue to read the journals, take the tests and collect your CEU’s. This will make you the best ICU nurse and it builds confidence. By the time you renew, you will have virtually all your contact hours to renew. Keep good records!
Best of luck to you and Happy New Year
I bought the CNOR practice test with 120 or so questions. You can keep retaking it. I studied for 3 of the 4 weekends for 3+ months. I kept retaking the practice test and got a bad score the 1st time, but improved each time I took it. You get used to how questions are asked. I took it 1-2 per week, even when I got 98-99%. Also I advise studying all aspects of nursing as there were questions about OB, Anesthesia, Sterile Processing, Eye medications, which I found very interesting since most RN's don't have basic knowledge of them. Also I bought flash cards and studied them 3 of 4 weekends per month with a buddy.
Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio Critical Care Examination Review.
The fun way! Get the Laura Gasperas (sp?) audio files. Listen to them over and over while you drive, and especially while you exercise (helps with retention as well as stress imho). Also get the Barons most recent CCRN book (many of the questions on the CCRN were nearly identical). Read the book, while taking notes, then make sure you know all the answers to the practice test questions. I made a list of all the questions I got wrong, re-studied those areas, then took the tests again until I didn't miss any. Honestly, studying for the CCRN made me a way better nurse, and reminded me that you have to be a life-long-learner to be any good in the medical profession.
Ditto, Stacy, and start studying now!
