Explanation of Certification for Adult Critical Care Nurses (CCRN)
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Certification For Adult Critical Care Nurses (CCRN): An Explanation
Any wing of a hospital heavily depends on nurses to help run it. This is particularly true for the intensive care unit (ICU), where nurses need to be able to make important judgments in a matter of seconds. Hospitals demand certificates to make sure they’re selecting nurses of the best caliber due to the responsibility and difficulties of critical care nursing. ICU certifications guarantee that the nurse is knowledgeable about the most recent developments in nursing and medicine.
What is an Adult Critical Care Nurse (CCRN)?
The nurse in question is your typical registered nurse with a focus on critical care circumstances. No matter where they are, nurses with this specialty can give competent treatment. They can work in trauma centers, cardiac care units, surgical care units, transport and flying operations, and ICUs (intensive care units).
How Much Does A CCRN Cost?
Depending on the type of critical care certification, the price may change. Members pay a starting price of $130, while non-members pay $215. By selecting the proper certification, nurses can calculate the precise cost.
CCRN Requirements
For instance, the standards for adult acute/critical care include the following:
- The applicant must hold a valid RN or APRN license.
- Must have worked as an RN or APRN for at least 1,750 hours in the two years prior to application, 850 of which must have been completed during the previous year, or:
- Have at least five years of critical care experience as an RN or APRN, as well as at least 2,000 hours of indirect patient care experience, with at least 144 of those hours occurring within one year of the application.
Eligibility For an Adult Critical Care Nurse Certification
These certification examinations are not accessible to everyone, but there are only a few key prerequisites to passing the exam. The following are some of them.
RN or APRN License
You must be a graduate of a nursing program in order to acquire your registered nurse (RN) for an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license. Depending on whether you fast-track your courses or not, these programs typically last three to five years. The NCLEX, also known as the National Council Licensure Examination, is the last test before you can get your nursing license. Your nursing credential is a must because the ICU certification is an extension of it.
Licenses Must Be Unencumbered
A nurse’s license must be unencumbered if it doesn’t currently show any disciplinary actions. They might not be allowed to take the test if they are currently under hospital board sanctions or have any restrictions on their employment. The AACN examination guide, the bible of certification, should be consulted for all disciplinary actions.
Clinical Hours Minimum
There are two ways to complete the required number of clinical hours. One takes place over a period of two years, the other over five.
Two-Year Plan
The RN or APRN must have 1,750 hours of experience providing direct care to patients in critical conditions over the two years preceding the exam. To apply, 875 of these had to have occurred in the year before.
Five-Year Plan
The RN or APRN who is applying must have logged at least 2,000 hours in the past five years providing direct care to patients in critical conditions. Now, 144 hours must have been completed within the year before the application.
Why Get a Critical Care Nursing Certification?
It makes sense for nurses to pursue certification in critical care, given how specialized the job is. Being certified is significant since it is frequently necessary by the employer for nurses who provide direct patient care. It also displays a high degree of ability and proficiency for APRNs, nurse managers, clinical nurse specialists, and nurses. It is also a desirable quality for people who want to change careers, advance in their current field or go back to school.
The following are important benefits of getting a critical care nursing certification:
More Likely To Be Hired
After becoming an ICU nurse, you’ll discover that some hospitals demand an ICU certification in order to work in the critical care unit, which boosts your chances of landing a good position. Also, if positions are few, having the qualification makes you a stronger prospect.
Increased Pay
When critical care nurses become certified, their salary increases by an average of 16%, according to a 2018 Advance Healthcare poll. With this wage raise come greater responsibilities and a deeper comprehension of nursing and medicine.
Where Can You Get a Critical Care Nursing Certification?
The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certifications (ABSNC) both accredit AACN certification programs (NCCA). Get to know AACN Certification Corporation better.
American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
The AACN is a group committed to assisting nurses in providing the best care possible to their patients. In turn, this advances their overarching goal of developing a healthcare system that will enable nurses to have the most positive influence on the lives of those who most need it. Since its founding in 1969, the AACN has expanded its network of over 100,000 nurses committed to assisting patients. This makes this 501c nonprofit the biggest organization for specialty nursing.
The AACN offers a wide range of certification programs, from critical-care specializations to telenursing. The organization is better positioned to match qualified nurses with hospitals that need them by standardizing the knowledge required to succeed as a nurse.
CCRN Renewal
There are two alternative ways to renew your ICU certification if you’ve already received it and are getting ready to do so.
Renewal by Synergy CERPs
Your certification renewal will be based on your CERPs, or continuing education recognition points. Research, committee work, leadership development, clinical judgment, and other activities all count toward earning CERPs in the medical industry.
Renewal by Exam
This is the simpler path to renewing your certification. Your certification will be renewed if you successfully complete the exam and satisfy the renewal eligibility requirements. This approach may be simpler for certain people because they only need to study what has changed in the last three years.
Is a CCRN Necessary to be a Travel Nurse?
ICU nurse qualifications also provide an advantage when applying to work as a travel nurse. Traveling nurses are nurses who fill in for absent staff members in hospitals. These nurses are in high demand, resulting in better salaries, housing stipends, and daily expense stipends. That’s why some are getting the CCRN certification exam.
The ICU certification will make it simpler for you to apply for these positions and will increase your appeal as a travel nursing candidate.
Are you looking for a CCRN certification and want to be a travel nurse? Check out our job opportunities at Stability Healthcare and start a new step in your career! If caring for a critically ill adult is your passion, validate that you meet the eligibility requirements detailed in the CCRN Exam Handbook and apply now. We can also answer any questions you might have about certifications.
