Nikki CondemarinIf you’re a nurse preparing for the CCRN® exam or CMC® certification, you’re likely already aware that passing these exams requires more than just clinical experience—it demands a comprehensive study plan and a deep understanding of critical care concepts. Joseph Krivoruk, BSN, CCRN, CMC, a Critical Care nurse at Mt. Sinai Brooklyn, shares his journey toward certification and the study materials that helped him succeed.
Why CCRN® and CMC® Certification is Critical for Critical Care Nurses
Joseph, who has been a Critical Care Nurse since 2013, believes that obtaining CCRN® and CMC® certification is a transformative journey. He explains: “The journey toward certification—asking questions, studying, understanding the material, and fully immersing yourself in the concepts—is the true reward. The letters after your name simply serve as recognition of this transformative journey.”
For Joseph, it all began when he was mentored by a manager who pushed him to deepen his clinical knowledge, especially when it came to critical care nursing. He realized there was a significant gap between basic nursing skills and the specialized knowledge required to pass the CCRN® exam. “I wanted that top-shelf understanding of critical care concepts,” Joseph says. And that drive ultimately led him to pursue his CCRN® certification and later the Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC®).
The Best CCRN® & CMC® Study Prep Materials
Joseph describes himself as an “equal opportunity” student and pulled his knowledge needed to pass his CCRN® exam from the CCRN® online Certification Review Course. This comprehensive online course helped him focus on the essential concepts and reinforced his clinical knowledge in critical care. He credits passing the CMC® certification exam to the Ace The CMC®! You Can Do It! Study Guide. This targeted study guide helped him understand complex cardiac medicine concepts, which were key to passing the CMC® exam. However, preparing for nursing certification exams has its challenges.
The Journey to Getting CCRN® & CMC® Certified
Joseph’s nursing certification journey was shaped by a series of pivotal moments:
- ICU Experience: In 2022, Joseph transitioned to working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which provided him with critical hands-on experience. This exposure to real-world ICU nursing gave him the foundational knowledge needed to pass the CCRN® exam.
- Advanced Training: Joseph completed the ECCO course (a critical care education course), which further enhanced his understanding of critical care nursing.
- Focused Review: In 2023, Joseph honed his study efforts by focusing on Nicole’s CCRN® Review Course, a resource that helped him consolidate all his previous knowledge and successfully pass the CCRN exam.
Balancing Life, Family, and CCRN® & CMC® Study Time
Juggling a nursing career, family, and studying for two very difficult exams, is no easy feat. Often, our accomplishments are not a journey we take on alone, and having a good support system in place is key to balancing out studying for the CCRN® and CMC® exams. He acknowledges that obtaining CCRN® and CMC® certification requires sacrifice, but the rewards—both personal and professional—are worth it.
Joseph credits his wife as being his number one supporter throughout his certification journey. Next, his kids, his fellow RN’s, intensivists, his manager, and his preceptor/mentor. Having this support system in place and receiving their guidance proved invaluable in his nursing certification success.
Advice for Nurses Working in Critical Care:
“Get Certified. For those who are looking to get certified my simple answer is do it.”
Nursing is an incredibly fulfilling profession, especially for those working with patients in critical care, a place where many are at their most vulnerable. When asked What’s been most fulfilling about the work you do? Joseph described the many ways the roles he plays enriches his life.
“I’m blessed to have multiple careers, each offering its own unique purpose and fulfillment.
As a photographer, I have the privilege of freezing and preserving moments that people can cherish forever.
As a critical care nurse, I’m entrusted with life-altering decisions, where I have the opportunity to make a real difference in someone’s health and well-being.
As a nurse educator, I get to share my knowledge and skills with RNs who may not yet have had the same experiences, helping them grow in their own journeys.”
Do you have a favorite saying or quote you live by?
Just For Today:
Do not worry
Do not anger
Honour your parents, teachers and elders
Earn your living honestly
Show gratitude to every living thing.
– 5 Principles of Reiki
You can check out Joseph’s photography on instagram @picturepeefectny and follow along his continued nursing journey and success on his personal instagram @jzkccrncmc828.
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