Resources for Prospective Critical Care Nurses

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Resources for Prospective Critical Care Nurses

Here’s where to find more information about the critical care nursing profession, along with opportunities for training, networking, career development and much more.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
101 Columbia
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-1491
(949) 362-2000 (local); (800) 899-CARE (toll-free)
E-mail: info@aacn.org
Web site: www.aacn.org

This association is a must for any nurse interested in critical care. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 1999, the AACN offers a cornucopia of specialized resources and information, including:

Continuing education
Professional credentials: CCRN (Certified Critical Care Nurse), CCNS (Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist) and ACNP (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
Standards of practice
An excellent Web site packed with discussion forums, links and information on critical care issues
Career counseling, job listings and placement services through the Career Development Services program
National and local networking opportunities through a coast-to-coast network of chapters
Books, journals and newsletters
An extensive information database covering everything from professional development to clinical questions to workplace issues

Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM)
8101 East Kaiser Blvd., 3rd Floor
Anaheim, CA 92808-2259
(714) 282-6000 (local); (877) 291-7226 (toll-free)
E-mail: romi@sccm.org
Web site: www.sccm.org

A broader-focused, multidisciplinary organization encompassing physicians, nurses, pharmacists, technicians and other health care professionals, the SCCM is a good source for getting the big picture in critical care. The association, which includes a special Nursing Section, offers a wide range of informational and educational resources, including the American College of Critical Care Medicine and the Coalition for Critical Care Excellence. Be sure to check out the Internet-based Resource of Advanced Nursing Practice in Acute and Critical Care (i-ANPACC) on the Nursing Section Web site for helpful online journals, database searches, clinical practice guidelines, educational links and more.

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