r/CriticalCare

Hello everyone,

I’m taking my test in about a week and a half or so. I’ve been doing AACN practice exams and going over some videos and rationales when I’m done. I’ve been consistently scoring between 103-105/150 and I’m nervous that’s not in the “passing” range on the real exam. My weak points are endocrine and some cardiac. I’ve been using my free time to study but also been cramming while working full time.

In those who have successfully passed and crammed, what scores were you getting if you took practice exams on AACN? Is getting 103-105/150 an indicator that I am on the right path to passing? My two lowest scores were on night shift at work with scores of 92 and 94 out of 150.

I’m also using some videos on YouTube recommended to me by fellow colleagues that have taken it and used these videos to help them on the test. One of them failed and used these videos as a resource and passed the second time a couple of months ago.

I do have the barrons book but honestly, I can’t sit there and read. I’m a hands on learner and videos, writing things down and applying the concepts in real life are the best ways I learn but I am open to other recommendations.

Thank you in advance!!!

Hello,
I’m starting my new grad RN job at CVICU. I want to start studying to feel a little more confident or comfortable.

I understand that it will be overwhelming as a new grad & that I will never know everything because it’s a unit where we learned every single day.

What are some tips that you would give to a new grad?
Any report sheets that have worked for you?

I was thinking to start studying on hemodynamics, EKGs and ICU medical on YouTube.

I will be placed in Medical ICU for my first 6 months and then transferred to CVICU

The heart fascinates me and I love learning about the heart but I’m also really nervous to start.