PCCN Introduction

PCCN^® specialty certification was introduced in 2004 for nurses providing care to acutely ill adult patients regardless of the geographic location of their nursing care. Nurses interested in this certification may work in such areas as intermediate care, direct observation, stepdown, telemetry, transitional care or emergency departments.

• Frequently Asked Questions About PCCN Certification
• PCCNs by State
• Executive Summary of the 2008 Job Analysis

PCCN - A Registered Service Mark

PCCN is a registered service mark of AACN Certification Corporation and denotes certification in acute care nursing as granted by AACN Certification Corporation. Registered nurses who have not achieved PCCN certification status, whose PCCN status has lapsed or who have chosen Inactive status are not authorized to use the PCCN credential.

PCCN Job Analysis

Each PCCN certification exam is based on a job analysis, also known as a study of practice. The most recent study, completed in 2008, defines the dimensions of progressive care practice, identifying what is required of registered nurses practicing in progressive care settings. In the study, progressive care nurses across the United States were surveyed to ascertain the frequency and significance of the various elements of their practice.

Through an extensive review and evaluation process, the knowledge, skills and abilities crucial to progressive care nursing were defined using the AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care as an organizing framework. PCCN certification exams are based on these skills and abilities and the knowledge required to perform them.