CCRN-E (tele-ICU)

Exam Handbook

101 Columbia Aliso Viejo CA 92656-4109 T 800 899 2226 F 949 362 2020 www.certcorp.org

MISSION
AACN Certification Corporation contributes to consumer health and safety through
comprehensive credentialing of nurses to ensure their practice is consistent with established
standards of excellence in caring for acutely and critically ill patients and their families.

VISION
As the undisputed leader in credentialing nurses, the AACN Certification Corporation has
demonstrated that certification contributes to achieving optimal outcomes that are consistent
with the goals and values of acutely and critically ill patients and their families.

VALUES
As the Corporation works to advance its mission and vision and fulfill its purpose and inherent
obligation to ensure the health and well being of patients experiencing acute and critical illness,
the Corporation is guided by a set of deeply rooted values.

Providing leadership to bring all stakeholders together to create and foster cultures of
excellence and innovation.
Acting with integrity and upholding ethical values and principles in all relationships
and in the provision of sound, fair and defensible credentialing programs.
Committing to excellence in credentialing programs by striving to exceed industry
standards and expectations.
Promoting leading edge, research-based credentialing programs that reach diverse
certificants.
Demonstrating stewardship through fair and responsible management of resources
and cost-effective business processes.

ETHICS
AACN and AACN Certification Corporation consider the American Nurses Association
(ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses foundational for nursing practice, providing a framework for
making ethical decisions and fulfilling responsibilities to the public, colleagues and the
profession. AACN Certification Corporations mission of public protection supports a standard
of excellence that certified nurses have a responsibility to read, understand and act in a manner
congruent with the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses.
The following AACN Certification Corporation programs have been accredited by the National Commission
for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accreditation arm of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE):
Adult CCRN and CCRN-ETM
Pediatric and Neonatal CCRN
Adult, Pediatric and Neonatal CCNS
Adult ACNPC
Adult CMC
Adult CSC
Our advanced practice certification programs, CCNS and ACNPC, have also been recognized by the National
Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

Certification Organization for the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

CCRN-E EXAM HANDBOOK

Congratulations, you have taken your first step toward becoming certified!
as healthcare becomes increasingly complex and challenging, certification has emerged as a mark of excellence showing
patients, employers and the public that a nurse is qualified and competent, and has met the rigorous requirements to
achieve specialty and/or subspecialty certification.
aacN certification corporation programs were created to protect healthcare consumers by validating the knowledge of
nurses who care for the acutely and critically ill. We are pleased to provide you with this handbook with information about
our programs and how to apply for and take the ccrN-E certification exam.
Today, more than 80,000 practicing nurses hold one or more of these certifications from aacN certification corporation:
CCRN specialty certification introduced in 1976 for nurses providing care to acutely and/or critically ill adult, pediatric
and neonatal patients.
CCRN-E specialty certification introduced in 2007 as a renewal option and in 2011 as an initial exam option for nurses
working in a tele-IcU monitoring acutely and/or critically ill adult patients from a remote location (behind a camera).
PCCN specialty certification introduced in 2004 for progressive care nurses providing care to acutely ill adult patients.
ACNPC entry-level advanced practice specialty certification launched in 2007 for nurses educated at the graduate level
to provide advanced nursing care across the continuum of healthcare services to meet the specialized physiologic and
psychologic needs of adult patients with complex acute and/or chronic health conditions.
ACNPC-AG entry-level advanced practice consensus model-based specialty certification launched in 2013 for nurses
educated at the graduate level to provide advanced nursing care across the continuum of healthcare services to meet the
specialized physiologic and psychologic needs of adult-gerontology patients (young adults, older adults and frail elderly)
with complex acute and/or chronic health conditions.
CCNS entry-level advanced practice specialty certification launched in 1999 for clinical nurse specialists educated at the
graduate level to provide advanced nursing care to acutely or critically ill adult, pediatric and neonatal patients.
ACCNS-AG entry-level advanced practice consensus model-based specialty certification launched in 2013 for clinical
nurse specialists educated at the graduate level to provide advanced nursing care across the continuum of healthcare
services (from wellness through acute care) to meet the specialized needs of the adult-gerontology patient population.
ACCNS-P entry-level advanced practice consensus model-based specialty certification launched in 2013 for clinical
nurse specialists educated at the graduate level to provide advanced nursing care across the continuum of healthcare
services (from wellness through acute care) to meet the specialized needs of the pediatric patient population.
ACCNS-N entry-level advanced practice consensus model-based specialty certification launched in 2014 for clinical
nurse specialists educated at the graduate level to provide advanced nursing care across the continuum of healthcare
services (from wellness through acute care) to meet the specialized needs of the neonatal patient population.
CMC subspecialty certification launched in 2005 for certified nurses providing care to acutely and/or critically ill adult
cardiac patients.
CSC subspecialty certification launched in 2005 for certified nurses providing care to acutely and/or critically ill adult
patients during the first 48 hours after cardiac surgery.
CNML certification for nurse managers launched in 2008 in partnership with the american Organization of Nurse
Executives (aONE).

We continually seek to provide quality certification programs that meet the changing needs of nurses and patients.
Please visit www.certcorp.org > Documents and handbooks, or call (800) 899-2226 for more information about the
above certifications.
Thank you for your commitment to patients and their families and to becoming certified.
march 2014

Please direct inquiries to:

AACN Certification Corporation, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-4109
(800) 899-2226 Fax: (949) 362-2020 [email protected]
Please include your aacN customer number with all correspondence to aacN certification corporation.

Contents
certification Program ................................................................................................................................................................4
Exam Eligibility ...........................................................................................................................................................................5
application Fees ........................................................................................................................................................................6
application Process ...................................................................................................................................................................7
certification renewal...........................................................................................................................................................9-10
aacN Synergy model for Patient care ..............................................................................................................................11-12
Test Plan.............................................................................................................................................................................13-14
Testable Nursing actions ...................................................................................................................................................15-17
Exam Bibliography .............................................................................................................................................................19-20
Sample Exam Questions ...................................................................................................................................................21-22
aacN Products for ccrN-E Exam Preparation ......................................................................................................................23
Forms:
ccrN-E Exam application (pages 1 and 2 of application)..............................................................................................25-26
ccrN-E Exam honor Statement (page 3 of application) ......................................................................................................27

The following information can be found in the Certification Policy Handbook online at www.certcorp.org >
Documents and handbooks:
aacN certification Programs
Name and address changes
confidentiality of Exam application Status
Testing Site Information
Exam Scheduling and cancellation
On the Day of Your Exam
Duplicate Score reports
recognition of certification
Use of credentials
Denial of certification
revocation of certification
review and appeal of certification Eligibility

CCRn-e CeRtIFICAtIon PRoGRAM

ccrN-E is an extension of the ccrN certification program designed for nurses working exclusively or primarily in
a tele-IcU (such as a virtual IcU or e-IcU) caring for acutely and/or critically ill adult patients from a remote location
(behind a camera). Nurses working in education or in a simulation lab would not be eligible for the ccrN-E credential.

CCRN-E Trademark
ccrN-E is a trademark of aacN certification corporation and denotes certification in tele-IcU acute and/or critical
care nursing as granted by aacN certification corporation. registered nurses who have not achieved ccrN-E
certification, whose ccrN-E certification has lapsed or who have chosen Inactive status are not authorized to use
the ccrN-E credential.
although a common misconception, ccrN is not an acronym for critical care registered nurse. This would imply that
nurses are registered as critical care nurses, which is not accurate. Furthermore, ccrN-E does not represent critical
care registered nurse - educator.

Validated Knowledge and Specialized Skills

The ccrN-E exam is based on a study of practice, also known as a job analysis, which defines the dimensions of
acute/critical care practice, identifying what is required of registered nurses practicing in a tele-IcU.
In the study, acute and critical care nurses practicing in tele-IcUs in the United States were surveyed to ascertain
the frequency and significance of the various elements of their practice. Through an extensive review and evaluation
process, the knowledge, skills and abilities crucial to acute and critical care nursing were defined using the aacN
Synergy model for Patient care as an organizing framework. The ccrN-E certification exam is based on these skills
and abilities and the knowledge required to perform them.
ccrN-E certification is achieved by those acute and critical care nurses who pass the ccrN-E exam in adult critical
care nursing. ccrN-E certification denotes to the public those practitioners who possess a distinct and clearly defined
body of knowledge called critical care nursing.

CCRN-E Exam Content

The ccrN-E exam is a 3-hour test consisting of 150 multiple-choice items. Of the 150 items, 125 are scored and
25 are used to gather statistical data on item performance for future exams. The ccrN-E exam focuses on the adult
patient population. Eighty percent (80%) of the exam focuses on clinical judgment. The remaining twenty percent
(20%) covers professional caring and ethical practice. Professional caring and ethical practice questions may be
asked about any age across the life span while clinical judgment questions are restricted to adult patients.

CCRN-E Test Plan

The content of the ccrN-E exam is described in the test plan included in this handbook. candidates are tested on a
variety of patient care problems that are organized under major categories. Please note the percentage of the ccrN-E
exam devoted to each category.

CCRn-e eXAM eLIGIBILItY

Licensure
current unencumbered licensure as an rN or aPrN in the United States is required.
an unencumbered license is not currently being subjected to formal discipline by any state board of nursing
and has no provisions or conditions that limit the nurses practice in any way.
candidates and ccrN-E-certified nurses must notify aacN certification corporation within 30 days if any
restriction is placed on their rN or aPrN license. If randomly selected for audit, you will be asked to provide
a copy of your rN or aPrN license copy please do not submit with your application.

Practice
candidates must meet one of the following practice requirement options:
Practice as an rN or aPrN for 1,750 hours in the care of acutely and/or critically ill adult patients in
a tele-ICU or in a combination of tele-ICU and direct bedside care during the previous 2 years, with 875
of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application.
OR
Practice as an rN or aPrN for at least 5 years with a minimum of 2,000 hours in the care of acutely
and/or critically ill adult patients in a tele-ICU or in a combination of tele-ICU and direct bedside care,
with 144 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application.
Practice hours for the ccrN-E exam or renewal eligibility must take place in a U.S.-based facility or in a facility
determined to be comparable to the U.S. standard of acute/critical care nursing practice, as evidenced by
magnet Status or Joint commission International accreditation.
Nurses serving as manager, educator (in-service or academic), aPrN or preceptor may apply their hours spent
supervising nursing students or nurses at the bedside or with nurses who are practicing remotely.
Nurses in these roles must be actively involved in caring for patients; for example, a manager or a cNS for
a tele-IcU service may provide clinical rounds or be consulted in the management of an individual patient.

Practice Verification
The name and address of a professional associate must be given for verification of eligibility related to clinical
practice hours. If you are randomly selected for audit, this associate will need to verify in writing that you have
met the clinical hour requirements.
a professional associate is defined as either your clinical supervisor or a colleague (rN or physician) with
whom you work.

aacN certification corporation may adopt additional eligibility requirements at its sole discretion. any such
requirements will be designed to establish, for the purposes of ccrN-E certification, the adequacy of a candidate's
knowledge and experience in caring for the acutely and critically ill.

CCRn-e APPLICAtIon Fees

CCRN-E Computer-Based Exam
aacN members

$225

Nonmembers

$330

CCRN-E Retest
aacN members

$170

Nonmembers

$275

CCRN-E Renewal by Exam

aacN members

$170

Nonmembers

$275

Payable in U.S. funds. a $15 fee will be charged for a returned check.
computer-based testing discounts are available for groups of 10 or more candidates submitting their aacN
certification exam applications in the same envelope. Employers may pre-purchase exam vouchers at a further
discounted rate.
For details about the group and bulk discount programs, visit www.certcorp.org > General Information or call (800)
899-2226.

AACN Certification Corporation recommends that you be ready to take the exam before submitting your application.
Please ensure that AACN has your current contact information. Updates may be made online at
www.aacn.org/myaccount or emailed to [email protected]. For name changes, please call aacN customer care at (800) 899-2226.

onLIne APPLICAtIon PRoCess

4Register online for computer-based testing at
www.certcorp.org > apply Online

4Before you get started, have available the following:

rN or aPrN license number and expiration date
Name, address, phone and email address of your
clinical supervisor or a professional associate (rN
or physician) who can verify your practice eligibility
credit card (Visa, mastercard, Discover or
american Express)

4Same day processing

PAPeR APPLICAtIon PRoCess

4Paper applications are required for those applying
with a group, for paper and pencil exams and for
testing outside the U.S.

4Complete the application on pages 25-26 and

honor statement on page 27.
Fill in all requested information including that for your
rN or aPrN license

4Include application fee

credit card, check or money order

4Allow 2-3 weeks for processing

Use your legal name on the application.

This name must match photo identification used for exam entry
and will be the name printed on your certificate.

1. Receive notice of processed application

aacN will send a confirmation email that you have successfully applied to take the ccrN-E exam.

2. Receive approval-to-test email

aacNs testing service (amP) will send an email and mail a postcard to eligible candidates within 5 to 10 days
after confirmation email, to include:
o
o
o

a toll-free number and online instructions to schedule your testing appointment

The 90-day period during which you must schedule and take the exam
Your exam identification number, which is your unique aacN customer number preceeded by the
letter c (e.g., c00123456)

If you do not receive a scheduling email or postcard from amP within 2 weeks of receiving confirmation
email, please contact aacN customer care at (800) 899-2226.

3. Schedule the exam

Upon receipt of amPs email or postcard:
confirm that you are scheduled for the correct certification exam
Promptly schedule your exam appointment for a date and time that falls within your 90-day testing
window
Testing is offered twice daily, monday through Friday, at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday appointments
are available at some locations.
o
o

To locate one of the more than 175 testing centers within the U.S., visit www.goAMP.com.

4. Sit for the exam

Upon completion of computer-based exams, results with a score breakdown will be presented on-site.
results of the paper and pencil exams will be mailed to candidates 3 to 4 weeks following paper testing.
Successful candidates will receive their wall certificate within 3 to 4 weeks of passing the exam.

CCRn-e CeRtIFICAtIon ReneWAL

Renewal Period
ccrN-E certification is granted for a period of 3 years. Your certification period begins the first day of the month in
which the ccrN-E certification exam is passed and ends 3 years later; for example, October 1, 2014 through
September 30, 2017. The purpose of certification renewal is to enhance continued competence.
renewal notifications will be mailed and/or emailed to you starting 120 days before your scheduled ccrN-E renewal
date. You are responsible for renewing your certification even if you do not receive renewal notification. refer to
www.certcorp.org for current information.

Eligibility
candidates for ccrN-E renewal must meet the following requirements:
current unencumbered U.S. rN or aPrN license that was not subjected to formal discipline by any state board
of nursing during the 3-year certification renewal period
completion of 432 hours of care of acutely and/or critically ill adult patients as an rN or aPrN in a tele-ICU or in
a combination of tele-ICU and direct bedside care within the 3-year certification period, with 144 of those hours
in the 12-month period preceding the scheduled renewal date
completion of the required cErPs or successfully passing the ccrN-E exam

Renewal Options
You may seek certification renewal via renewal by Synergy cErPs or renewal by Exam, or you may choose Inactive,
retired or alumnus status. Do not apply for more than one option.

4 Option 1 - Renewal by Synergy CERPs

complete the renewal by Synergy cErPs program with a total of 100 cErPs in specified categories (a, B
and c) during the 3-year certification period.
Those moving from ccrN to ccrN-E or from ccrN-E to ccrN may complete the Synergy cErP
requirements for ccrN (60 in a, 10 in B, 10 in c, 20 in category of choice) or ccrN-E (70 in a, 5 in B,
25 in c). For more details, please refer to the CCRN-E Renewal Handbook.
Online renewal by Synergy cErPs is available to all active ccrN-Es as early as 4 months prior to their
scheduled renewal date. For more information, visit www.certcorp.org > renew Your certification.

4 Option 2 - Renewal by Exam

meet the eligibility requirements for ccrN-E renewal and successfully apply for and schedule your exam.
The ccrN-E exam must be completed before your scheduled renewal date.
You may not take the exam early, then attempt to renew by cErPs if you do not pass.
4 Option 3 - Inactive Status
Inactive status is available to ccrN-E-certified nurses who do not meet the renewal eligibility requirements
but do not wish to lose their ccrN-E certification. Inactive status provides ccrN-E-certified nurses
additional time, up to 3 years from the scheduled renewal date, to meet the eligibility requirements.
During the time of Inactive status candidates may not use the CCRN-E credential.
Inactive status may be held more than once, but not for two consecutive renewal periods.
For more details, refer to the CCRN-E Renewal Handbook available at www.certcorp.org > Documents and handbooks.

continued

CCRn-e CeRtIFICAtIon ReneWAL (cONTINUED)

Alternative Designations
Alumnus Status
alumnus status is for nurses who have been ccrN-E-certified but no longer provide care to acutely and/or critically ill
patients for enough hours to meet the clinical hour requirements for active ccrN or ccrN-E certification, but are still
in the nursing profession in some other capacity and wish to remain connected with the credential.
renewable every 3 years, the alumnus ccrN-E designation, written out, may be used on your resume or below
your name and credentials on a business card, but may not be used with your signature or on a name badge.
To be eligible for alumnus ccrN-E status, you must have held ccrN-E certification and have no plans to renew
ccrN or ccrN-E certification in the future.
There are no cE or cErP requirements to maintain alumnus ccrN-E status.

Retired Status
retired status provides the ccrN-E-certified nurse or alumnus ccrN-E who is retiring from the nursing profession
with a continued sense of career identity and professional connectedness. The retired ccrN-E designation recognizes
ccrN-E-certified nurses for their years of service in the care of acutely and critically ill patients. It also acknowledges
their pride and dedication in maintaining their certification.
To be eligible for retired ccrN-E status, you must have been a ccrN-E without plans of returning to nursing
practice or renewing certification.
The retired rN must not be working in any type of position that requires the possession of an rN license.
You are not eligible if you are changing to another nursing role.
The retired ccrN-E designation, written out, may be used on your resume or below your name and credentials
on a business card, but may not be used with your signature or on a name badge.
There are no cE or cErP requirements to maintain retired ccrN-E status.
For more details about alumnus and retired status, please refer to the alumnus and retired applications available
online at www.certcorp.org > Documents and handbooks.

10

AACn sYneRGY ModeL FoR PAtIent CARe

Synergy is an evolving phenomenon that occurs when individuals work together in mutually enhancing ways toward
a common goal. aacN certification corporation is committed to ensuring that certified nursing practice is based on
the needs of patients. Integration of the aacN Synergy model for Patient care into aacN certification corporations
certification programs puts emphasis on the patient and says to the world that patients come first.
The Synergy model creates a comprehensive look at the patient. It puts the patient in the center of nursing practice.
The model identifies nursings unique contributions to patient care and uses language to describe the professional
nurses role. It provides nursing with a venue that clearly states what we do for patients and allows us to start linking
ourselves to, and defining ourselves within, the context of the patient and patient outcomes.
NOTE: aacN certification exams do not test for knowledge of the Synergy model or its terminology; this is the
theoretical model within which the tests have been designed.

Patient Characteristics
The Synergy model encourages nurses to view patients in a holistic manner rather than the body systems medical
model. Each patient and family is unique, with a varying capacity for health and vulnerability to illness. Each patient,
regardless of the clinical setting, brings a set of unique characteristics to the care situation. Depending on where they
are on the healthcare continuum, patients may display varying levels of the following characteristics:
Resiliency

capacity to return to a restorative level of functioning using compensatory/coping mechanisms; the ability to
bounce back quickly after an insult.

Vulnerability

Susceptibility to actual or potential stressors that may adversely affect patient outcomes.

Stability

ability to maintain a steady-state equilibrium.

Complexity

Intricate entanglement of two or more systems (e.g., body, family, therapies).

Resource Availability

Extent of resources (e.g., technical, fiscal, personal, psychological and social) the patient/family/community
bring to the situation.

Participation in Care

Extent to which patient/family engages in aspects of care.

Participation in
Decision Making

Extent to which patient/family engages in decision making.

Predictability

a characteristic that allows one to expect a certain course of events or course of illness.

FOR ExAMPLE:
a healthy, uninsured, 40-year-old woman undergoing a pre-employment physical could be described as an individual who
is (a) stable (b) not complex (c) very predictable (d) resilient (e) not vulnerable (f) able to participate in decision making
and care, but (g) has inadequate resource availability.
On the other hand: a critically ill, insured infant with multisystem organ failure can be described as an individual who is
(a) unstable (b) highly complex (c) unpredictable (d) highly resilient (e) vulnerable (f) unable to become involved in
decision making and care, but (g) has adequate resource availability.
continued

11

AACn sYneRGY ModeL FoR PAtIent CARe (cONTINUED)

Nurse Characteristics
Nursing care reflects an integration of knowledge, skills, abilities and experience necessary to meet the needs of
patients and families. Thus, nurse characteristics are derived from patient needs and include:
Clinical Judgment

clinical reasoning, which includes clinical decision making, critical thinking and a global grasp of the situation,
coupled with nursing skills acquired through a process of integrating education, experiential knowledge and
evidence-based guidelines.

Advocacy/
Moral Agency

Working on another's behalf and representing the concerns of the patient/family and nursing staff; serving as a
moral agent in identifying and helping to resolve ethical and clinical concerns within and outside the clinical setting.

Caring Practices

Nursing activities that create a compassionate, supportive and therapeutic environment for patients and staff,
with the aim of promoting comfort and healing and preventing unnecessary suffering. These caring behaviors
include but are not limited to vigilance, engagement and responsiveness of caregivers. caregivers include family
and healthcare personnel.

Collaboration

Working with others (e.g., patients, families, healthcare providers) in a way that promotes/encourages each
person's contributions toward achieving optimal/realistic patient/family goals. collaboration involves intra- and
inter-disciplinary work with colleagues and community.

Systems Thinking

Body of knowledge and tools that allow the nurse to manage whatever environmental and system resources that
exist for the patient/family and staff, within or across healthcare systems and non-healthcare systems.

Response to Diversity

The sensitivity to recognize, appreciate and incorporate differences into the provision of care. Differences may
include, but are not limited to, individuality, cultural, spiritual, gender, race, ethnicity, lifestyle, socioeconomic,
age and values.

Facilitation of
Learning

The ability to facilitate learning for patients/families, nursing staff, other members of the healthcare team and
community. Includes both formal and informal facilitation of learning.

Clinical Inquiry

The ongoing process of questioning and evaluating practice and providing informed practice. creating changes
through evidence-based practice, research utilization and experiential knowledge.

Nurses become competent within each continuum at a level that best meets the fluctuating needs of their population
of patients. more compromised patients have more severe or complex needs, requiring nurses to have advanced
knowledge and skills in an associated continuum.
FOR ExAMPLE:
If the gestalt of a patient were stable but unpredictable, minimally resilient and vulnerable, primary competencies of
the nurse would be centered on clinical judgment and caring practices (which includes vigilance). If the gestalt of a
patient were vulnerable, unable to participate in decision making and care, and inadequate resource availability, the
primary competencies of the nurse would focus on advocacy and moral agency, collaboration and systems thinking.

although all eight competencies are essential for contemporary nursing practice, each assumes more or less
importance depending on a patients characteristics. Synergy results when a patients needs and characteristics
are matched with the nurses competencies.
Based on the most recent aacN certification corporation study of nursing practice, the test plans for aacN certification exams reflect the Synergy model as well as findings related to nursing care of the adult patient population
studied.
For more information about the aacN Synergy model for Patient care visit www.certcorp.org.

12

CCRn-e test PLAn

I. CLINICAL JUDGMENT (80%)
A.
. Cardiovascular (20%)
1. acute coronary syndromes (including
unstable angina)
2. acute myocardial infarction/ischemia
(including papillary muscle rupture)

8. Pulmonary hypertension
9. Status asthmaticus
10. Thoracic surgery
11. Thoracic trauma (e.g., fractured ribs, lung
contusions, tracheal perforation)
C. Endocrine (5%)

3. acute peripheral vascular insufficiency (e.g.,

acute arterial occlusion, carotid artery
stenosis, endartarectomy, peripheral stents,
Fem-Pop bypass)

1. acute hypoglycemia

4. acute pulmonary edema

4. hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic

syndrome (hhNK)

5. cardiac surgery (e.g., valve replacement,

caBG)
6. cardiac trauma
7. cardiogenic shock
8. cardiomyopathies (e.g., hypertrophic, dilated,
restrictive, idiopathic)
9. Dysrhythmias

2. Diabetes insipidus
3. Diabetic ketoacidosis

5. Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of

antidiuretic hormone (SIaDh)
D. Hematology/Immunology (2%)
1. coagulopathies (e.g., ITP, DIc, hIT)
E. Neurology (12%)

10. heart failure

1. aneurysm

11. hypertensive crisis

2. Brain death (irreversible cessation of whole

brain function)

12. hypovolemic shock

14. myocardial conduction system defects

3. congenital neurological abnormalities (e.g.,

aV malformation)

15. ruptured or dissecting aneurysm (e.g.,

thoracic, abdominal, thoraco-abdominal)

4. Encephalopathy (e.g., anoxic, hypoxicischemic, metabolic, infectious)

13. Interventional cardiology (e.g., catheterization)

Structural heart defects (acquired and

congenital, including valvular disease)

5. head trauma (e.g., blunt, penetrating skull

fractures)
6. hydrocephalus

B. Pulmonary (18%)
1. acute lung injury (e.g., arDS, rDS)
2. acute pulmonary embolus
3. acute respiratory failure
4. acute respiratory infections (e.g., acute
pneumonia, bronchiolitis)
5. air leak syndromes (e.g., pneumothorax,
pneumopericardium)
6. aspirations (e.g., aspiration pneumonia,
foreign body)
7. cOPD, asthma, chronic bronchitis,
emphysema

7. Intracranial hemorrhage/intraventricular
hemorrhage (e.g., subarachnoid, epidural,
subdural)
8. Neurologic infectious disease (e.g., viral,
bacterial)
9. Neuromuscular disorders (e.g., muscular
dystrophy, Guillain-Barr, myasthenia gravis)
10. Neurosurgery
11. Seizure disorders
12. Space-occupying lesions (e.g., brain tumors)
13. Stroke (e.g., ischemic, hemorrhagic)
continued

13

CCRn-e test PLAn (cONTINUED)

F. Gastrointestinal (6%)

I. Behavioral/Psychosocial (4%)

1. acute abdominal trauma

1. abuse/neglect

2. acute GI hemorrhage

2. antisocial behaviors, aggression, violence

3. Bowel infarction/obstruction/perforation
(e.g., mesenteric ischemia, adhesions)

3. Delirium and dementia

4. Developmental delays

4. GI surgeries

5. Failure to thrive

5. hepatic failure/coma (e.g., portal

hypertension, cirrhosis, esophageal varices)

6. mood disorders and depression

6. malnutrition and malabsorption

7. Pancreatitis
G. Renal (6%)
1. acute renal failure
2. chronic renal failure
3. Life-threatening electrolyte imbalances
H. Multisystem (8%)

7. Substance dependence (e.g., withdrawal,

drug-seeking behavior, chronic alcohol or drug
dependence)
8. Suicidal behavior
II. PROFESSIONAL CARING AND ETHICAL PRACTICE (20%)
A. Advocacy/Moral Agency (3%)
B. Caring Practices (4%)
C. Collaboration (4%)

1. asphyxia

D. Systems Thinking (2%)

2. Distributive shock (e.g., anaphylaxis)

E. Response to Diversity (2%)

3. multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (mODS)

F. Clinical Inquiry (2%)

4. multisystem trauma

G. Facilitation of Learning (3%)

5. Sepsis/septic shock
6. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome
(SIrS)

14

7. Toxic ingestions/inhalations (e.g., drug/

alcohol overdose)

The sum of these percentages is not 100 due to rounding.

8. Toxin/drug exposure

Order of content does not necessarily reflect importance.

CCRn-e testABLe nURsInG ACtIons

Cardiovascular

Identify/monitor normal and abnormal physical assessment findings

apply leads for cardiac monitoring
Identify, interpret and monitor cardiac rhythms
monitor hemodynamic status and recognize signs and symptoms of hemodynamic instability
recognize indications for and manage patients requiring:
12-lead EcG
arterial line
cardiac catheterization
cardiocentesis
cardioversion
central venous access
central venous pressure monitoring
defibrillation
Pa catheter
SvO2 monitoring
transthoracic pacing
transvenous pacing
manage patients receiving cardiovascular medications (e.g., thrombolytics, vasoactive agents, platelet
inhibitors, anti-arrhythmic medications)
monitor patients and follow protocols for cardiac surgery
recognize signs and symptoms of cardiovascular emergencies, initiate interventions and seek assistance
as needed
recognize indications for and manage patients requiring:
IaBP
percutaneous coronary interventions

Pulmonary

Identify and monitor normal and abnormal physical assessment findings

Interpret aBGs
monitor patient for response to pulmonary medications (e.g., bronchodilators, mucolytics)
recognize indications for and manage patients requiring:
artificial airway
bronchoscopy
chest tubes
conventional modes of mechanical ventilation
high-frequency mechanical ventilation
non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (e.g., BIPaP, cPaP, high-flow nasal cannula)
oxygen therapy delivery devices
prevention of complications related to mechanical ventilation (e.g., barotraumas, VaP)
pulmonary therapeutic interventions (e.g., airway clearance, intubation, weaning, extubation)
respiratory monitoring devices (e.g., SpO2, SvO2, ETcO2) and report values
therapeutic gases (e.g., nitric, heliox, cO2)
thoracentesis
recognize signs and symptoms of respiratory emergencies, initiate interventions and seek assistance
as needed
monitor patient and follow protocols for thoracic and ENT surgery
continued

15

CCRn-e testABLe nURsInG ACtIons (cONTINUED)

Endocrine
recognize normal and abnormal physical assessment findings
recognize signs and symptoms of endocrine emergencies, initiate interventions and seek assistance
as needed
Identify and monitor normal and abnormal diagnostic test results
Implement treatment modalities for acute hypo/hyperglycemia (e.g., insulin therapy)
monitor patient and follow protocols for surgery related to the endocrine system
manage patients receiving medications and monitor response

Hematology/Immunology
recognize normal and abnormal physical assessment findings of patients with:
hematologic problems
immunologic problems
Identify and monitor normal and abnormal diagnostic test results (e.g., PT/INr, PTT, fibrinogen, cBc)
manage patients receiving medications (e.g., IVIG, steroids, chemotherapy) and monitor response
recognize and manage complications associated with transfusion of blood products
monitor patient and follow protocols pre-, intra- and post-procedure (e.g., plasmapheresis, exchange
transfusion, autotransfusion)
recognize signs and symptoms of hematologic/immunologic emergencies, initiate interventions and
seek assistance as needed

Neurology
Identify and monitor normal and abnormal physical assessment findings
recognize and monitor normal and abnormal neurological diagnostic test results (e.g., IcP, head
cT scan, lumbar puncture)
recognize indications for and monitor/manage patients requiring neurological monitoring devices
and drains
manage patients receiving medications (e.g., mannitol, hypertonic saline, sedation, neuromuscular
blockade, anticonvulsants) and monitor response
recognize signs and symptoms of neurological emergencies (e.g., increased intracranial pressure,
herniation, decreased LOc, seizure), initiate interventions and seek appropriate consultation
monitor patient and follow protocols pre-, intra- and post-procedure (e.g., IcP insertion, lumbar puncture)
monitor patients and follow protocols for neurosurgery

Gastrointestinal
Identify and monitor normal and abnormal physical assessment findings
recognize and monitor normal and abnormal gastrointestinal diagnostic test results
recognize indications for and manage patients requiring gastrointestinal:
monitoring devices (e.g., intra-abdominal compartment pressure)
drains
manage patients receiving gastrointestinal medications and monitor response
monitor patient and follow protocols, pre-, intra- and post-procedure (e.g., EGD, PEG placement)
recognize indications for and complications of enteral and parenteral nutrition
monitor patients and follow protocols for gastrointestinal surgery
recognize signs and symptoms of emergencies (e.g., GI bleed, ischemic bowel), initiate interventions
and seek assistance as needed

continued

16

CCRn-e testABLe nURsInG ACtIons (cONTINUED)

Renal

recognize normal and abnormal physical assessment findings

Identify and monitor normal and abnormal diagnostic test results
manage patients receiving renal medications and monitor response
recognize indications for and manage patients requiring renal therapeutic intervention
(e.g., crrT, peritoneal dialysis)
monitor patients and follow protocols for:
renal surgery
pre-, intra- and post-procedure (e.g., renal biopsy, ultrasound)
recognize signs and symptoms of renal emergencies, initiate interventions and seek assistance
as needed

Multisystem
recognize and monitor normal and abnormal diagnostic test results (e.g., lab, radiology)
recognize indications for and manage patients undergoing:
continuous sedation
procedural sedation
therapeutic hypothermia
assess patient's pain
manage patients receiving:
medications (e.g., pain medications, reversal agents) and monitor response
non-pharmacologic methods for pain relief and monitor response
recognize signs and symptoms of multisystem emergencies (e.g., shock states, trauma), initiate
interventions and seek assistance as needed

Behavioral/Psychosocial
recognize normal and abnormal:
physical and psychosocial assessment findings
developmental assessment findings and provide developmentally appropriate care
recognize the need for and manage patients requiring restraints
recognize indications for and manage patients requiring behavioral therapeutic interventions
Identify and monitor normal and abnormal diagnostic test results
manage patients receiving medications (e.g., antipsychotics, antidepressants) and monitor response
recognize signs and symptoms of behavioral/psychosocial emergencies, initiate interventions and
seek assistance as needed

17

18

CCRn-e eXAM BIBLIoGRAPHY

(references used for ccrN-E item validation)

Clinical Judgment
american heart association. (2010). Guidelines for
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency
Cardiovascular Care Science. available at:
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/122/18_suppl_3.toc.
Bojar, r. m. (2004). Manual of Perioperative Care in
Adult Cardiac Surgery. 4th ed. maulden, Bedford, UK:
Blackwell Publishing.
carlson, K. (2009) Advanced Critical Care Nursing.
Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders/Elsevier.
conover, m. B. (2003). Understanding Electrocardiography. 8th ed. St. Louis, mO: mosby/Elsevier.
copstead, L. & Banasik, J. L. (2009). Pathophysiology:
Biological and Behavioral Perspectives. 4th ed.
Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders.
Darovic, G. O. (2002). Hemodynamic Monitoring:
Invasive and Noninvasive Clinical Application. 3rd ed.
Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders/Elsevier.
Davis, L. (2004). Cardiovascular Nursing Secrets.
St. Louis, mO: mosby/Elsevier.
Emergency Nurses association & Newberry, L.
(2005). Sheehys Manual of Emergency Care. 6th ed.
St. Louis, mO: mosby/Elsevier.
hardin, S. & Kaplow, r. (2009). Cardiac Surgery
Essentials of Critical Care Nursing. Sudbury, ma:
Jones & Bartlett.

morino, P. (2006). The ICU Book. 3rd ed.

Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
morton, P. G., Fontaine, D., hudak, c. m. & Gallo, B. m.
(2005). Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach.
8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
moser, D. K. & riegel, B. (2008). Cardiac Nursing:
A Companion to Braunwalds Heart Disease.
St. Louis, mO: Saunders.
Pagana, K. D. & Pagana, T. J. (2008). Mosbys
Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference. 9th ed.
St. Louis, mO: mosby/Elsevier.
Schell, h. m. & Puntillo, K. a. (2006). Critical Care
Nursing Secrets. 2nd ed. St. Louis, mO: mosby/Elsevier.
Skidmore-roth, L. (2010). Mosbys 2010 Nursing Drug
Reference. 23rd ed. St. Louis, mO: mosby/Elsevier.
Smeltzer, S., Bare, B. G., hinkle J. L. & cheever, K. h.
(2008). Brunner and Suddarths Textbook of MedicalSurgical Nursing. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Sole, m. L., Klein, D. G. & moseley, m. (2008).
Introduction to Critical Care Nursing. 5th ed.
Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders.
Stillwell, S. (2006). Mosbys Critical Care Nursing
Reference. 4th ed. St. Louis, mO: mosby/Elsevier.
Urden, L. (2009). Critical Care Nursing: Diagnosis
and Management. 6th ed. St. Louis, mO: mosby.

hickey, J. V. (2009). The Clinical Practice of

Neurological and Neurosurgical Nursing. 6th ed.
Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Wiegand, D. J. (ed.). (2011). AACN Procedure Manual for

Critical Care. 6th ed. St. Louis, mO: Saunders.

mcQuillan, K. a., Whalen, E. & Flynn makic, m. B.

(2008). Trauma Nursing: From Resuscitation Through
Rehabilitation. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier.

Woods, S., Sivarajan Froelicher, E. S. & motzer, S. U.

(2004). Cardiac Nursing. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
continued

19

CCRn-e eXAM BIBLIoGRAPHY (cONTINUED)

Professional Caring and Ethical Practice
american association of critical-care Nurses. (2005).
AACN Standards for Establishing and Sustaining Healthy
Work Environments: A Journey to Excellence. available at:
http://www.aacn.org/WD/hWE/Docs/hWEStandards.pdf.
american association of critical-care Nurses. (2005).
aacN Standards for Establishing and Sustaining healthy
Work Environments: a Journey to Excellence. American
Journal of Critical Care. 14:187-197.
arnold, E. c. & Boggs, K. U. (2006). Interpersonal
Relationships. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:
Saunders/Elsevier.
Dossey, B. m., Keegan, L. & Guzzetta, c. (2008). Holistic
Nursing: A Handbook for Practice. 5th ed. Boston, ma:
Jones & Bartlett.
hardin, S. r. & Kaplow, r. (eds.). (2005). Synergy for
Clinical Excellence: The AACN Synergy Model for Patient
Care. Boston, ma: Jones & Bartlett.
Purnell, L. (2009). Guide to Culturally Competent Health
Care. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: F. a. Davis.

20

Many references are available through AACN; visit

www.aacn.org/bookstore.
More current versions may be available.

PUBLISHER CONTACTS:
AACN (800) 899-2226
American Heart Association (800) 242-8721
Blackwell Publishing (877) 762-2974
Elsevier (including Mosby, W. B. Saunders, and Hanley &
Belfus) (800) 545-2522
F. A. Davis (800) 323-3555
Jones & Bartlett (800) 832-0034
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (800) 638-3030

CCRn-e AdULt sAMPLe eXAM QUestIons

1.

A patient with a recent myocardial infarction

suddenly develops a loud systolic murmur. Which
of the following is the most likely cause?

4.

a. pulmonary embolism
B. congestive heart failure

a. aspiration pneumonia.

c. ruptured papillary muscle

B. a spontaneous pneumothorax.

D. increased systemic vascular resistance

2.

A patient with unstable angina has an IABP

inserted. Hemodynamics are:
HR
MAP
PAOP
Cl

148 (sinus tachycardia)

40 mm Hg
25 mm Hg
1.4 L/min/m2

c. a pleural effusion.
D. a pulmonary embolus.
5.

B. rotate the patient assignment among staff.

c. confront the family and demand an end to the
disruptive behavior.

a. checking timing of the IaBP, decreasing balloon

to 1:2 frequency

c. dobutamine (Dobutrex), isoproterenol (Isuprel),

12-lead EcG
D. adenosine, stat hgb and hct, dobutamine
(Dobutrex)
3.

The family of a critically ill patient wishes to

spend the night, which is contrary to visiting
policy. The nurses best action would be to
a. adhere to the visiting policy.
B. allow the family to stay in the room.
c. obtain a motel room near the hospital where the
family can spend the night.
D. allow one or two family members to stay, then
evaluate the patients response.

The nursing staff is resisting being assigned to a

disruptive patient. An appropriate resolution
would be to
a. ask the physician to transfer the patient.

Which of the following should be included in this

patients plan of care?

B. stat echocardiogram, furosemide (Lasix),

checking timing of the IaBP

A patient who is one day post-gastroplasty has a

sudden onset of restlessness, dyspnea and chest
pain. Heart rate is 122, and auscultation of heart
sound reveals an increased intensity of a
pulmonary S2. The most likely cause is

D. hold a nursing team conference to discuss

possible alternatives.
6.

A patient who is 72 hours postoperative repair of

a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm suddenly
becomes dyspneic with an increased respiratory
rate from 24 to 40. An ABG sample obtained
while the patient is receiving oxygen at 6 L/min
via nasal cannula reveals the following results:
pH
pCO2
pO2

7.50
31
48

A chest x-ray is obtained and a ground-glass-like

appearance is reported. Auscultation of the
lungs reveals basilar crackles that were not
previously present. On the basis of this
information, the nurse should suspect that the
patient has developed
a. a pulmonary embolus.
B. bacterial pneumonia.
c. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
D. acute respiratory distress syndrome.

continued

21

CCRn-e AdULt sAMPLe eXAM QUestIons (cONTINUED)

7.

Members of the nursing staff are developing

written patient education materials for a group
of patients with diverse reading abilities. It would
be most effective for the staff to
a. design individual handouts for each patient.
B. develop a computer-based education series.
c. write the materials at a fourth-grade reading
level.
D. limit text and provide color pictures.

8.

A postoperative patient has been in the unit for

4 days. He was unusually disengaged the previous day, and today he is agitated, thinks the
staff is trying to poison him and forgot his wife
was at the bedside an hour ago. Other physiological factors are ruled out. Pharmaceutical
interventions would include
a. midazolam (Versed).
B. haloperidol (haldol).
c. propofol (Diprivan).
D. sertraline (Zoloft).

Answers
1. c
2. a
3. D
4. D
5. D
6. D
7. c
8. B

22

AACn PRodUCts FoR CCRn-e eXAM PRePARAtIon

Description

Item #

* Online Adult CCRN/CCRN-E Self-Assessment Exam (SaE) mirrors content of ccrN and ccrN-E exams;
includes 60 questions with correct answers and rationale; score report upon completion to assess
strengths and areas for further study; access for 90 days from purchase date.

Purchase
online only at
www.certcorp.org.

Online Adult CCRN/CCRN-E Certification Review Course: Individual Purchase. aacN. For additional
information, go to www.aacn.org/ondemand.

accrNOD

* Adult Practice CCRN/CCRN-E Exam Questions. 6th ed. (2009). 190 questions.

200305

AACN Certification and Core Review for High Acuity and Critical Care. 6th ed. (2007). alspach, G. Book and
cD rom. 192 pages.

128800

AACN Core Curriculum for Critical Care Nursing. 6th ed. (2006). alspach, G. 992 pages.

128700

AACN Procedure Manual for Critical Care. 6th ed. (2011). Wiegand, D. J. 1,312 pages.

128150

ACLS Pocket Reference Cards. (2011). aha, aacN. Set of 2.

400862

Adult CCRN/CCRN-E Certification Review Course (2011). available in 3 formats: cD-rOm for Pc
cD-rOm for mac
mP3
** review packages also available; see below.

301950
301951
301973

Synergy for Clinical Excellence: The AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care. (2005). hardin, S. & Kaplow, r.
235 pages.

100149

* Denotes product developed by aacN certification corporation.

** adult ccrN/ccrN-E review Packages include Adult CCRN/CCRN-E Review Course, Adult Practice CCRN/CCRN-E
Exam Questions and AACN Core Curriculum for Critical Care Nursing. Item numbers are 302010 (cD-rOm for Pc),
302012 (cD-rOm for mac) and 302005 (mP3).
Note: All CCRN review products are applicable for CCRN-E exam preparation.

For more details and to place an order, visit our website at www.aacn.org > Marketplace, or call AACN
Customer Care at (800) 899-2226, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

OFcrhB

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CCRn-e eXAM APPLICAtIon

1. REGISTRATION INFORMATION

PLEaSE PrINT cLEarLY. PrOcESSING WILL BE DELaYED IF INcOmPLETE Or NOT LEGIBLE.

LEGaL NamE aS IT aPPEarS ON YOUr GOVErNmENT-ISSUED ID carD IS rEQUIrED FOr Exam.

AACN CUSTOMER:

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Number

Exp. Date

Number

State

Exp. Date

LEGAL NAME:
Last

First

mI

maiden

HOME ADDRESS:
city

State

EMAIL:

HOME PHONE:

EMPLOYER NAME:

BUSINESS PHONE:

ZIP

EMPLOYER ADDRESS:

2. AACN MEMBERSHIP
I would also like to join/renew/extend my aacN membership at this time and select member pricing for my exam fees:
(check one box only)

1-year aacN membership.......................$78

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aacN membership includes nonrefundable $12 and $15 one-year subscriptions to Critical Care Nurse and the American Journal of Critical
Care, respectively. aacN dues are not deductible as charitable contributions for tax purposes, but may be deducted as a business expense
in keeping with Internal revenue Service regulations.

Member exam fee ($225) + 1-year Membership ($78) = Savings of $27 over Nonmember fee

3. ExAM FEE

Membership Fee:
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CCRN-E
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CCRn-e eXAM APPLICAtIon

PRINTED LEGAL NAME

AACN #

5. DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
check one box in each category. Information used for statistical purposes and may be used in eligibility determination.
Primary Area Employed
acute hemodialysis Unit (21)
Burn Unit (13)
cardiac rehabilitation (26)
cardiac Surgery/Or (36)
cardiovascular/Surgical IcU (09)
catheterization Lab (22)
combined adult/Ped. IcU (23)
combined IcU/ccU (01)
coronary care Unit (03)
crit. care Transport/Flight (17)
Direct Observation Unit (39)
Emergency Dept. (12)
General med./Surg. Floor (18)
home care (25)
Intensive care Unit (02)
Interventional cardiology (31)
Long-Term care (27)
medical cardiology (34)
medical IcU (04)
medical Surgical IcU (35)
Neonatal IcU (06)
Neuro./Neurosurgical IcU (10)
Oncology Unit (19)
Operating room (15)
Outpatient clinic (29)
Pediatric IcU (05)
Private Practice (32)
Progressive care Unit (16)
recovery room/PacU (14)
respiratory IcU (08)
Stepdown Unit (30)
Subacute care (28)
Surgical IcU (07)
Tele-IcU (37)

Telemetry (20)
Trauma Unit (11)
Other specify below
____________________ (99)
Primary Position Held
academic Faculty (07)
acute care Nurse Practitioner (09)
administrator/V.P. (43)
Bedside/Staff Nurse (01)
charge Nurse (45)
clinic Nurse (40)
clinical coordinator (44)
clinical Director (04)
clinical Nurse Specialist (08)
Elected Official (12)
home healthcare Nurse (41)
In-service/Staff Devel. Instructor (06)
Legal Nurse consultant (47)
manager (03)
Nurse anesthetist (02)
Nurse Educator (46)
Nurse midwife (13)
Nurse Practitioner (05)
Physician (16)
Physician assistant (17)
researcher (18)
respiratory Therapist (19)
Social Worker (20)
Unit coordinator (22)
Other - specify below
____________________ (99)

Highest Nursing Degree

associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Diploma
Doctorate
masters Degree

University med. ctr. (03)

Other specify below
____________________ (99)
Number of Beds in Institution

Ethnicity
african american (02)
asian (05)
hispanic/Latino (03)
Native american (04)
Pacific Islander (06)
White/Non-hispanic (01)
Other specify below
____________________ (99)
Primary Type of Facility in Which
Employed
college/University (08)
community hospital (Nonprofit) (01)
community hospital (Profit) (02)
county hospital (07)
Federal hospital (05)
hmO/managed care (12)
home health (13)
military/Government hospital (04)
Non-academic Teaching hosp. (14)
Private Industry (11)
registry (10)
Self-Employed (09)
State hospital (06)
Travel Nurse (15)

_______________________________
Years of Experience in Nursing
_______________________________
Years of Experience in Acute/Critical
Care Nursing
_______________________________
Date of Birth (Month/Day/Year)
_______________________________
Gender
Female

male

6. HONOR STATEMENT - 3rd page of application that must be submitted with this form
complete the honor Statement on page 27.

7. SUBMIT APPLICATION
attach honor Statement to this application and submit with payment to:
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PlEasE PRiNt ClEaRly.
NAME:

AACN CUSTOMER #:
Last

First

mI

I hereby apply for ccrN-E certification. Submission of this application indicates I have read and understand the exam policies
and eligibility requirements as documented in the CCRN-E Exam Handbook and the Certification Exam Policy Handbook.

LICENSURE: I possess a current unencumbered U.S. rN or aPrN license. my __________________________________ (state)

nursing license __________________________________ (number) is due to expire ______________________________ (date).
an unencumbered license is not currently being subjected to formal discipline by any state board of nursing and has no
provisions or conditions that limit my practice in any way. I understand that I must notify aacN certification corporation within
30 days if any disciplinary action is taken against my rN or aPrN license in the future.
PRACTICE: I have fulfilled one of the following clinical practice requirement options:
Practice as an rN or aPrN for 1,750 hours in the care of acutely and/or critically ill adult patients in a tele-IcU (behind
a camera) or in a combination of tele-IcU and direct bedside care during the past 2 years, with 875 of those hours
accrued in the most recent year preceding application.
OR
Practice as an rN or aPrN for at least 5 years with a minimum of 2,000 hours in the care of acutely and/or critically ill
adult patients in a tele-IcU (behind a camera) or in a combination of tele-IcU and direct bedside care, with 144 of those
hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application.
hours were completed in a U.S.-based facility or in a facility determined to be comparable to the U.S. standard of acute/critical
care tele-IcU nursing practice.

PRACTICE VERIFICATION: Following is the contact information of my supervisor or manager (rN or physician) who can verify
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