PCCN Study Guide 2024-2025

You may have heard stories from nurses who struggle with passing the PCCN exam. But the truth is earning your certification isn't as difficult as you think

In fact, according to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses - which administers the exam - 74% of PCCN candidates succeed on their first attempt. This still leaves thousands of other nurses who need to take the exam multiple times.

What sets the successful candidates apart? How can two nurses with nearly identical levels of experience and knowledge perform so differently on the same exam?

Some blame it on poor preparation. Or test-taking anxiety.

But the truth is success on the PCCN exam requires more than just rote memorization or sharp test-taking skills.

It requires strategy. A systematic approach that helps you break down and translate each question into familiar terms, so you can make full use of your clinical judgment and silence exam anxiety.

This book provides you with that strategy.

It combines fundamental nursing skills with proven test-taking methods to help you apply the practical knowledge you already have, instead of trying to memorize answers and concepts. And by using this step-by-step approach, you'll not only gain the confidence to tackle any question on the PCCN exam, but you'll also improve your chances of earning your certification in just one go.

Here's a small sample of what you'll discover inside this book:

A simple 4-step approach that lets you dissect each question on the exam and narrow down your options by tapping into your clinical expertiseWhich biological systems and diseases make up the most significant portion of the examThe core components of the AACN's Synergy Model, and which aspects you're likely to be tested onWhat to know before you start studying - this is vital to helping you squeeze the most out of your study prepWhich 15 types of cardiovascular health conditions every critical nurse needs to know, along with key nursing actions to familiarize yourself withThree full-length practice test that includes 125 unique questions and detailed answer explanations, plus 50 extra practice questions to help reinforce your knowledge for each section on the PCCN

And much more

You'll also find out which specific nursing actions and procedures are covered on the exam... key types of patient data you're expected to know... and the different kinds of questions the PCCN uses to test your knowledge.

By the end, you'll know what to expect on every section of the exam, including the most critical points many nurses forget about. So even if you're still starting to build out your career, you'll have a winning strategy that can help maximize your chances of passing the PCCN on your first try.