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What is the AACN PCCN study guide?

This study guide offers details about diseases and disorders that critical care nurses would encounter when caring for acutely ill adult patients. This guide addresses topics you would be tested on when taking the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) PCCN (Adult) certification exam.

What are some questions about PCCN certification?

Frequently Asked Questions About PCCN Certification. A: The PCCN exam is for nurses who provide direct care to acutely ill adult patients, in areas such as step-down or telemetry units (see list in second item above) — or in other units as appropriate. Final determination of eligibility is not based on unit type but on patient acuity,...

Is AAACN a provider of continuing education in nursing?

AACN has been approved as a provider of continuing education in nursing by the California Board of Registered Nursing (CBRN), Provider number CEP 1036. This activity is approved for 12.8 contact hours.

What are the requirements to become a PCCN nurse?

1 Current unencumbered licensure as an RN or APRN in the U.S. 2 Meet one of the following clinical practice requirement options: Option 1: Practice as an RN or APRN for 1,750 hours in direct care of acutely ill adult patients during the ... 3 For more information about PCCN exam eligibility, please refer to the PCCN Exam Handbook .

How can I study PCCN?

How Can I Prepare for the PCCN Test?Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. ... Take care of yourself. Make sure you're eating well, exercising, and sleeping. ... Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way.

What is passing score for PCCN exam?

Exam Cut ScoresExamTotal # of Items on ExamPassing (Cut) ScoreCCRN (Adult)15083CCRN (Pediatric)15082CCRN (Neonatal)15084CCRN-K (Adult)150834 more rows

How many hours do you need for PCCN?

Experience. Applicants must meet one of the two clinical practice requirements. Option 1: Within the last 2 years, the applicant must have 1,750 hours of practice as an APRN or RN, providing direct care to acutely ill patients. 875 of those hours must be earned in the most recent year preceding the application.

What is the difference between PCCN and PCCN-K?

PCCN — For nurses who provide direct care to acutely ill adult patients. PCCN-K — For nurses who do not exclusively or primarily practice in direct care but influence the care delivered to acutely ill adult patients.

What is the difference between AACN and ANCC?

For the ANCC exam, clinical practice comprises 46% of the exam and the APRN Core Competencies is 16% of the exam, whereas for the AACN, clinical judgment comprises 73% of the exam. On the ANCC exam, 38% of the content tests role, professional responsibility, and healthcare systems.

Is a progressive care unit considered critical care?

A PCU serves as a bridge between an ICU and a medical-surgical unit. While a patient in a PCU no longer needs critical care, they typically still require a high level of nursing care and extra surveillance.

How many nurses have their PCCN?

20,000 nursesToday, nearly 20,000 nurses hold PCCN or PCCN-K credentials.

What is a PCCN nursing certification?

PCCN® is a specialty certification for nurses who provide direct care to acutely ill adult patients regardless of their physical location. Nurses interested in this certification may work in areas such as intermediate care, direct observation, stepdown, telemetry, transitional care or emergency departments. Apply.

How do you become a step down nurse?

Education requirements for step-down nurses All step-down nurses must be licensed registered nurses (RN). To become an RN, candidates must earn either an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing. Many hospitals prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree since they usually have more education and training.

What does a progressive care nurse do?

Progressive care nurses are skilled at monitoring and assessing acutely ill patients. These patients are often on multiple medications and are at an increased risk for complications.

What does AACN stand for?

American Association of Critical-Care NursesAmerican Association of Critical-Care Nurses - AACN.

What's a critical care nurse?

A Critical Care or ICU Nurse takes care of patients who are in a critical condition or recovering from a serious medical condition.

What is PCCN K?

PCCN — For nurses who provide direct care to acutely ill adult patients. PCCN-K — For nurses who do not exclusively or primarily practice in direct care but influence the care delivered to acutely ill adult patients.

What percentage of clinical judgment is required for PCCN?

The PCCN and PCCN-K certification exams focus 80 percent on clinical judgment and 20 percent on professional caring and ethical practice. Our comprehensive course prepares you in the following categories:

Is the American Association of Critical Care Nurses accredited?

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC's) Commission on Accreditation, ANCC Provider Number 0012.

Renewal Eligibility Requirements & Fees

The Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) program encompasses a wide spectrum of learning topics and activities such as research activities, preceptorship, committee involvement, leadership responsibilities and volunteer activities. CERP learning topics and activities are listed in the PCCN Renewal Handbook.

Synergy CERPs Overview

Following is a summary of how CERPs are categorized in the Renewal by Synergy CERPs program. The three categories (A, B and C) cover a range of topics organized by the Synergy Model. A total of 100 CERPs, with a minimum number in each category, is required. Click on a category below to access available continuing education activities.

Renew

A current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license, minimum number of clinical practice hours caring for acutely ill adult patients, and CERPs or exam are required.

What is PCCN certification?

A: PCCN certification is a credential granted by AACN Certification Corporation that validates your knowledge of nursing care of acutely ill adult patients to hospital administrators, peers, patients and, most importantly, to yourself. PCCN certification promotes continuing excellence in progressive care nursing.

What is PCCN exam?

A: The PCCN exam is for nurses who provide direct care to acutely ill adult patients, in areas such as step-down or telemetry units (see list in second item above) — or in other units as appropriate. Final determination of eligibility is not based on unit type but on patient acuity, as patient placement varies by facility and bed availability.

What is PCCN-K certification?

PCCN-K (Adult) PCCN-K ® is a specialty certification for nurses who influence the care delivered to acutely ill adult patients but do not primarily or exclusively provide direct care.

What are practice hours for PCCN-K?

Practice hours for PCCN-K are those in which you apply knowledge in a way that influences patients, nurses and/or organizations to have a positive impact on the care delivered to acutely ill adult patients and families. Eligible Practice Hours:

What are the roles of PCCN-K?

Nurses eligible for PCCN-K certification may work in the following roles; academic faculty, case manager, clinical director, clinical or patient educator, manager/supervisor, nursing administrator or transitional care coordinator.

Who is not eligible for PCCN-K?

Nurses who exclusively or primarily provide direct patient care are not eligible for PCCN-K; PCCN is the appropriate credential for direct care of acutely ill adults. Are verifiable by your clinical supervisor or professional colleague (RN or physician).

What is PCCN K?

In alignment with AACN Certification Corporation’s mission of patient protection, PCCN-K validates the valuable progressive care specialty knowledge of the many nursing professionals who do not exclusively or primarily practice in direct care but influence the care delivered to acutely ill adult patients.

How long can you be retroactive in PCCN?

If you have held Alumnus PCCN status for less than 3 years, you may be eligible for retroactive Inactive status. If eligible, you may be able to obtain PCCN-K Renewal by Synergy CERPs.

What happens if your PCCN expired?

If your PCCN certification expired less than 3 years ago, you may be eligible for retroactive Inactive status. If eligible, you may be able to obtain PCCN-K Renewal by Synergy CERPs. If your PCCN certification expired more than 3 years ago AND you meet the eligibility requirements for PCCN-K, you may apply to sit for the PCCN-K as an initial exam ...

Can a nurse renew a PCCN?

A: If you meet the direct care requirements for PCCN renewal (which can include teaching nurses or nursing students providing direct care to acutely ill adult patients), you should continue to renew as a PCCN. Nurses who lack sufficient direct care hours to renew as a PCCN but meet PCCN-K practice requirements may renew as a PCCN-K .

Is PCCN K appropriate for ACNP?

A: Because most acute care NPs (ACNPs) provide direct care (e.g., physical assessment, direct intervention), PCCN (or CCRN) certification would be more appropriate for ACNP practice. If your practice does not include providing direct care for 12 hours per month on average, PCCN-K would be an alternate option.

Is PCCN K all inclusive?

A: Yes, the list of roles is not all-inclusive. If in your practice you influence patients, nurses and/or organizations to have a positive impact on the care delivered to acutely ill adult patients, you may be eligible for PCCN-K.

Can a nurse be eligible for PCCN-K?

A: No, those eligible for PC CN-K must in their practice influence patients, nurses and/or organizations to have a positive impact on the care delivered to acutely ill adult patients. Nurses who work outside progressive care or whose practice is not focused on acutely ill adults are not eligible for PCCN or PCCN-K.