Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
Certification Provider
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
Best For
Registered Nurse - Critical Care Unit, Intensive Care Unit Nurse, Emergency Department RN, Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse, Flight Nurse
Description
The Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification, offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), is a specialized credential for nurses who provide direct care to acutely/critically ill adult, pediatric, or neonatal patients. The certification validates a nurse's expertise and knowledge in the field of critical care, emphasizing the ability to make complex decisions, manage advanced technology, and provide compassionate care to critically ill patients. Obtaining the CCRN demonstrates a commitment to excellence and a high level of proficiency in the critical care nursing specialty.
Includes Certification
Yes
Prerequisites
Current unencumbered licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the United States.
Completion of a specified number of hours of direct care to acutely/critically ill patients within the last two years, with the hours varying based on the chosen specialty area (adult, pediatric, or neonatal).
Practice as an RN or APRN for 1,750 hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill patients during the previous two years, with at least 875 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application.
For nurses without a BSN, 2,000 hours of practice in direct care of acutely/critically ill patients, with 144 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application.
Meeting clinical practice requirements, which can be obtained in areas such as inpatient hospital units, emergency rooms, recovery rooms, outpatient surgery units, transport, or nursing education as faculty or as a preceptor for students.
Passing the CCRN examination, which assesses knowledge of critical care nursing practices based on the AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care.
