CCRN (Neonatal) – Direct Care Eligibility Pathway

CCRN^® (Neonatal) is a specialty certification. The Direct Care Eligibility Pathway is for nurses who influence the care delivered to acutely/critically ill neonatal patients but do not primarily or exclusively provide direct care. Nurses interested in this certification pathway may work in areas such as NICUs, cardiac care units, trauma units or critical care transport/flight.

This certification is accepted by the Magnet Recognition Program^®.

Initial Eligibility Requirements & Fees

A current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license is required.
An unencumbered license is not currently being subjected to formal discipline by the board of nursing in the state(s) in which the nurse is practicing and has no provisions or conditions that limit the nurse’s practice. Provisions or conditions may include, but are not limited to, direct supervision of practice, drug administration limitations and/or practice area exclusions.

Candidates must complete one of the following clinical practice hour requirement options:

Two-Year Option

Practice as an RN or APRN for 1,750 hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill neonatal patients during the previous two years, with 875 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application

Five-Year Option

Practice as an RN or APRN during the previous five years with a minimum of 2,000 hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill neonatal patients, with 144 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application

Eligible Clinical Practice Hours:

Must be completed in a U.S.-based or Canada-based facility or in a facility determined to be comparable to the U.S. standard of acute/critical care nursing practice.
Are spent actively providing direct care to acutely/critically ill neonatal patients or spent supervising nurses or nursing students at the bedside of acutely/critically ill neonatal patients, if working as a manager, educator, preceptor or APRN. The majority of practice hours for exam eligibility must be focused on critically ill patients.
Are verifiable by your clinical supervisor or professional colleague (RN or physician). Contact information must be provided for verification of eligibility related to clinical hours, to be used if you are selected for audit.
For complete eligibility requirements, refer to the CCRN Exam Handbook – Direct Care Pathway.

AACN Members

$255

Nonmembers

$370

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CCRN (Neonatal) – Direct Care Eligibility Pathway

Initial Eligibility Requirements & Fees

Handbooks

How to Prepare

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