Critical Care Nursing Certification (5th edition) by Ahrens, Kleinpell, Prentice

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional
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Product Description

What does it take to pass the Critical Care certification exam? Start here…

"...a worthwhile resource for any critical care exam preparation. It serves its stated objective well. 3 Stars."--Doody's Review Service

You hold in your hands the best-available preparation for Critical Care certification through the CCRN exam.

Critical Care Nursing Certification: Preparation, Review & Practice Exams is your complete, step-by-step guide that lays out everything you need to know to pass the exam that's offered by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).

Clearly formatted, easy to read, and comprehensive in scope, Critical Care Nursing Certification accurately approximates the actual content of the exam. The updated edition now integrates test questions with the text, so you can take a practice exam related to a specific topic without having to purchase a second book. In addition, “Editor's Note” features will explain changes to the exam, highlight what's important, and give you an idea of the number of questions to expect for a given topic.

Features

New part on “Synergy”-woven throughout the CCRN exam, this subject area is truly essential, based on changes to the exam
An invaluable section on multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)
Updated coverage of mechanical ventilation (including low volume ventilation) and the weaning portion, plus a much-needed emphasis on protocols; a closer look at acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); new details on asthma; and newer diagnostics in pulmonary embolism
Update to the renal replacement therapy area, including incisive coverage of continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD)

Customer Reviews

Best review book I've found!

Review Date: January 30, 2007

Reviewer: IMnRN, NJ

The first review book I bought was so dry and boring that I couldn't get through the first chapter. This book was easy to read and understand. It broke the content into seperate subjects so that it was easy to focus on my weak points. Also, at the start of each chapter it tells you how the test is weighted, so that you concentrate on the subjects that will have the most questions on the test. At the end of each section there are review questions for practice.

The only thing that would make this book better is if it had the practice questions on CD.

And I passed CCRN on the first try!

CCRN Review

Review Date: February 20, 2008

Reviewer: Amy Picard, USA

I attended AACN's NTI critical care conference in 2007, and had the privilege of attending lectures by Thomas Ahrens. After studying tons of material in preparation for the exam, this was the last book I purchased. It should have been the first and only one I purchased. Ahrens simplifies complex concepts in an interesting manner, and covers material you WILL SEE on the exam. This book was the most helpful resource I utilized! He presents hundreds of scenarios and practice questions, which were priceless when I sat for the exam. I passed the paper-and-pencil, full-length CCRN exam on the first try. Great prep indeed from Ahrens - a valuable and brilliant critical care expert.

Tip: If you want in-depth info (down to the cellular level), try using the "Core Curriculum" from AACN as an added source. Although Ahrens' book is the most in-line with the actual exam, if you desire advanced pathophysiological data, you will require another source.

Best resource out there

Review Date: May 23, 2008

Reviewer: Kelly Cadieux, Plattsburgh, NY, USA

I would have to say that this is the best CCRN review book out there. It is easily readable, comprehensive, and includes many practice questions to help you determine if you understand, can apply, and can remember the material. I have bought other review books, but unfortunately, they have been in outline forms and not as valuable. They get boring quick too! I have no problems with the little bits of extra infomration included in this book that may or may not be on the exam as it helps you comprehend the other information and serves as a review. I have bought other books that only have questions for review and I must say that I tried some of them without this book and did so so, but not great. After reading the sections of this book, I went back to those questions and others I had not done and did much much, much better, as I had reviewed the information and had a better understanding of the material! I certianly think this is a good book for anyone planning to take the CCRN exam or wishing to brush up and learn more about critical care nursing in general! I definately believe this book is the book I need to help me pass the CCRN. I am planning to take the exam in September- I will leave and update to how I do after! Thanks again for this book.

Incredibly thorough

Review Date: April 2, 2008

Reviewer: Sarah D. Nelson, Eagle, ID USA

I too thought that the first chapter was hard to get through--the cardiovascular section is extremely thorough and has quite a bit of information that really isn't addressed on the exam. The remaining chapters, however, were much easier reading, and the explanations are so much better than what I have found in other books. The book also has an extensive collection of practice questions, and while it does not give rationales for the correct answers, it does direct you to where it was covered in the book. I used several resources to study for the exam and this one was by far the most complete. I am currently in a graduate program working on my CCNS and I still use this book all of the time as a reference for my assignments.

Best Review Book EVER

Review Date: September 23, 2008

Reviewer: K. L. Robles,

This book is easy to read and understand. It reads like a book, not like a laundry list of signs and symptoms so it's easier to remember concepts. I used this book in conjunction with the PASS CCRN CD. I never used the PASS CCRN book though. I recommend this book to all my colleagues who plan on taking the CCRN. I can't say enough good things about it. I passed the CCRN with the first try.