Why Becoming PCCN Certified Could Be the Best Thing I Did for my Career... And How You Can Do It Too

As a nurse in Progressive Care, you’re already doing amazing work every day, caring for patients who need your skills and compassion in some of their most vulnerable moments. But what if you could take that expertise a step further and open new doors in your career? That's what becoming PCCN (Progressive Care Certified Nurse) certified can do for you.

I’ve been where you are... working hard and wondering if certification is worth the time and effort. When I took the exam and passed, it wasn’t just about the certification; it was about proving to myself that I was ready to grow. I believe you can do the same.

Why PCCN Certification?

The PCCN certification isn’t just a piece of paper; it's a commitment to your profession, your patients, and your future. Certification is the proof that you’re not just surviving in the chaos of Progressive Care; you’re thriving. It signals to employers that you're dedicated to continual learning and capable of handling acutely ill patients with greater confidence.

But let’s be real: it can feel daunting to take on something new when you’re already so busy. You might even wonder if it's necessary. But ask yourself this: what opportunities might you miss if you don’t take this step?

The Benefits of PCCN Certification

1. Career Advancement: Becoming certified opens doors to leadership roles, educator positions, new specialties, and even increased salary opportunities.

2. Stronger Clinical Skills: The process of studying for the exam will sharpen your knowledge, helping you deliver better patient care.

3. Professional Recognition: A PCCN certification tells your colleagues and supervisors that you’re committed to excellence.

How to Get Started

1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements: The direct care pathway requires at least 1,750 hours of hands-on care with acutely ill patients within the last two years. If you work full-time, you can achieve that in less than a year!

2. Register for the Exam: Sign up through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). Check with your organization to see if they will reimburse the exam fee (around $300).

3. Study at Your Own Pace: There’s no one right way to prepare—whether you spend a couple of weeks or a few months, there are great resources like prep books, online videos, and organization-provided tools to help you feel ready.

4. Take the Exam: You have the choice of taking the exam online or at a testing center. Either way, you’ll know your results immediately after completion.

FAQs (My Experience)

1. How long did I study for? I studied for two weeks. You'd be surprised how much you can learn while at work, especially if you treat each patient as a learning opportunity. I used a PCCN Study Prep textbook and took the exam online. It was challenging, but I passed.

2. Do I recommend taking the exam online or in person? I took the exam online, but it was a bit nerve-wracking. The proctor paused my exam twice because I zoned out while reading questions, and they thought I was doing something suspicious. If I were to take it again, I would opt for a testing site. Ultimately, the choice is yours.

3. What did I use to study? I used the Study Prep PCCN Book with practice tests.

4. How long did I work in PCU before taking the exam? I worked there for around a year before taking the PCCN exam

5. Did I have to verify the hours? I sent the email of my unit's educator in with the application to verify the hours. I'm not sure if they contacted her. To make things easier for her, I sent an Excel sheet of my total hours in the unit.

6. Was it worth it? Absolutely. I received multiple interview offers afterward, and the certification definitely impressed employers. I believe it was a key factor in landing my remote position.

The Only Thing Standing Between You and Certification Is Action

Fear of failure is natural, but the bigger fear should be staying where you are... Let's get you that PCCN certification. I passed the PCCN exam, and so can you.

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