Progressive Care Knowledge Professional – PCCN-K Adult (AACN)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Progressive Care Knowledge Professional (PCCN-K Adult) certification certifies that an RN has the skill level and expertise to influence the care delivered to acutely ill adult 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 manage patients that need ablation, cardioversion, PCI, TEE and EGD
- Knowledge of how to screen patients using a delirium assessment
- Understanding of ARDS, ALI, RDS and pulmonary emboli
- Competency working with mechanical ventilations
- Ability to identify healthcare associated infections
- Knowledge of medications that can be removed during dialysis
- Familiarity with normal versus abnormal assessment findings
- Understanding of dysphagia and the use of NIH Stroke Scale
- 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 with 260+ hours being in the last year; for other specific eligibility requirements, refer to the PCCN-K Exam Handbook
- Questions: 125 (100 scored)
- Time: 150 minutes
- Cost: Cost: $189 for AACN members and $289 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
PCCN-K Adult (AACN) Careers
Progressive Care Registered Nurse (RN) Careers
Jobs you can get with a PCCN-K Adult (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
PCCN-K Adult (AACN) Training
Exam Preparation
- Study from the key topics on the Exam Handbook
- Complete practice questions
- Consider a self-assessment exam
- Consider flash cards
- Review study resources and materials
- 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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