03/30/2026
💭Advice I would give new nurses when thinking about taking the CCRN® exam:💭
1. Take a Review Course
Invest in a quality CCRN® review course and a review book that includes practice questions. This will help you identify what you need to focus on for the exam.
2. Set a Test Date (and Commit to It!)
Choose an exam date you can realistically commit to. Having a deadline keeps you accountable and prevents endless procrastination.
3. Study Consistently for 3 Solid Weeks
Plan to study daily for at least three weeks before your exam. Consistent shorter study sessions are always better than cramming!
4. Practice Questions Are Essential
Do practice questions regularly and, most importantly, review the rationales, especially for the ones you miss.
5. Simulate the Real Exam
At least once, complete 150 practice questions in one sitting. This prepares you for what exam day will be like.
6. Use Mnemonics to Memorize Key Concepts
Some content simply needs to be memorized. Mnemonics can make this easier and fun!
For example, if you are a Star Wars fan, check out my trick to remember the complications of Myocardial Infarction: DARTH VADER
Death
Arrhythmias
Regurgitation (valvular)
Tamponade
Heart failure, HYPOtension, shock
Valve dysfunction
Aneurysm (ventricular)
Dressler Syndrome
Embolism/Edema (pulmonary)
Rupture (papillary muscle or ventricular/septal), Reinfarction (stent or graft closure)
