PCCN tips

Just passed the PCCN. I am a tele and not a step down nurse so at first I felt I was at a disadvantage regarding drips, etc.

However, if you are on a tele floor that gets pacemakers, cardiac cath patients, PE's and COPD then you have plenty of experience to pass this test.

Here is what I recommend studying:

Cardiac, Cardiac, Cardiac - know ACLS, pericarditis, murmurs - stenosis and regurgitation, heart failure, WPW, Brugada, EKG - what vessels supply what parts of the heart and which leads monitor which part of the heart, endocarditis, heart failure, vascular disease, arterial occlusion and PAD.

ABGs, COPD, Sleep Apnea, and status asthmatics

Diabetes, esp hypoglycemia and DKA

Surgical concerns

The questions that were most representative of those on the test were these from the AACN PCCN Exam Handbook. Also did questions from other sources, but they were not as representative as what you will actually see on the test.

Practice PCCN Exam Questions


Good luck. Hope this helps.