Acute/Critical Care Knowledge Professional – CCRN-K Pediatric (AACN)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Acute/Critical Care Knowledge Professional (CCRN-K Pediatric) certification certifies that an RN has the skill level and expertise to influence the care of acutely and critically-ill pediatric patients. Nurses who hold this certification do not exclusively provide direct patient care. They may work in other roles such as clinical educators, managers/supervisors, academic faculty or nursing administrators.
Nurses with this credential may have career advancement opportunities and higher pay that other professionals may not be eligible for.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Ability to assess pain while keeping in mind the patient’s cognitive status and age
- Knowledge of the cardiovascular system on an advanced level
- Understanding of ARDS and pulmonary emboli
- Competency working with bowel trauma and disease
- Ability to identify healthcare associated infections
- Knowledge of sepsis continuum
- Familiarity with normal versus abnormal assessment findings
- Understanding of developmental stages
- Willingness to comply with legislative, legal and ethical issues
Exam Objectives
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
- Prerequisites: Applicants must hold an active RN or APRN license; applicant has 1,040+ hours of RN/APRN work in the last 2 years; for specific eligibility requirements, refer to the CCRN-K Exam Handbook
- Questions: 150
- Time: 180 minutes
- Cost: Cost: $239 for AACN members and $344 for non-members
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 3 years
- Exam Outline and Certification Handbook
Other relevant details: Exam is given at PSI/AMP testing centers
CCRN-K Pediatric (AACN) Careers
Acute/Critical Care Registered Nurse (RN) Careers
Jobs you can get with a CCRN-K Pediatric (AACN) certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Certified Critical Care Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse Educator
- Clinical Nurse Educator
Salary (Base Level)
A specialty certification may not only increase your employability, but may increase your earnings potential as well. Keep in mind that your actual salary can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Reference salary for the Registered Nurse (RN) shown. Salary based on 2019 data.
National average per year: $71,730
National average per hour: $34.48
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
CCRN-K Pediatric (AACN) Training
Exam Preparation
- Study from the key topics on the Exam Handbook
- Complete practice questions
- Consider a self-assessment exam
- Review the books and study resources
- Take an online review course
- Study from review books
Important: This is not a complete list of all certification training and learning options available. Remember to thoroughly research and choose study materials that fit your learning style and needs. This step is crucial to help you succeed in your certification exam.
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