AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing (Chulay, AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing) 3rd Edition

Five year RN and the last three have been spent in a cardiac ICU. Bought this to help me brush up on my ICU knowledge before taking my CCRN. The book covers basic ICU skills. Good book and great refresher for those skills that you don't perform frequently.

When I first came to the ICU this was my bible. I definitely didn't know everything in the book, but it helped me put the pieces from orientation together. It again came in use during my CCRN studying and I now I use it as a reference whenever needed.

I adore this book. Started bringing it to work as a new grad, but it's kind of too big for that (plus I never have enough time to make it worthwhile). Lots of illustrations, text, etc. Hoping to eventually use it to study for my PCCN (as soon as I get enough hours to do it!). Bought this instead of the similar (blue cover) PCCN book because it seems like it's nearly identical (but this version has a few more chapters not in the PCCN book, like ventilators, hemodynamics, etc.). I don't work in an ICU, so not all of the chapters apply, but I still find it a great resource as a progressive care nurse.

I bought this because it was mandatory for my Critical Care class in my nursing program. My teacher required it on her syllabus, but doesn't use it much in class. I don't mind though because it has so much information in here. It is very easy to read and understand and really provides me with extra information that my professor may not cover. It has helped me so much on my exams, and just makes the concepts so much more clear.

This is a great resource for studying for CCRN. I have Pass CCRN and Ace the CCRN yo help me prepare but the first is too lengthy and the latter is too short when both are using bullet points and few illustrations. I utilize this when I need concept clarification so when I use Ace the CCRN on the go, it’s more effective comprehension.

required text. not a lot of "bolded" information, or highlighted terms, which makes it hard to read. It does have some good tables, diagrams and highlighted important information though. but it's a hard read.

Very, very useful. Covers the fundamentals in the first half of the book. Later on, advanced topics are discussed. This is a book you can use to prepare if you're new to ICU, and continue to consult as time goes on. AACN is the credentialing organization for nurses going for their CCRN too. So, you know the content is similar to what's on their exam.

I'm a new nurse in the ICU even though I've been a nurse for a couple years. Iniially, I was not sure if I needed this book because of the classes that my institution require me to attend to prepare me in the ICU. I've realized that these classes lack depth- they are quick synopsis of the skills I'm required to know. I needed the knowledge base so I can understand the concepts behind the interventions and not just be a robot. I'm glad I've purchased this book because it really helps me conceptualize everything I'm doing in the unit. I recommend this to new nurses in the ICU despite your years of nursing experience.