Nikki CondemarinIf you’re a critical care nurse studying for the CCRN®, CMC®, or CSC® certification exams, you’re not alone—and you’re in great company. Meet Allison M. Brownlow, RN, MSN, AGACNP-BC, CCRN-CMC-CSC, an accomplished nurse practitioner in cardiothoracic critical care with Corewell Health West in Grand Rapids, MI.
With a career that began in 2014, Allison has earned several high-level certifications in critical care nursing. Her journey, advice, and favorite study resources will help guide you in preparing for your own certification exams
Why Get Certified as a Critical Care Nurse? The Value of CCRN®, CMC®, and CSC®
“Getting certified was a turning point in my career,” Allison explains. “The CCRN®, CMC®, and CSC® are elite certifications that set you apart. They show that you value continued education and growth as a nurse.”
Beyond recognition, certification brought her increased confidence and leadership skills. “It gave me confidence in my daily practice. Now I actively encourage nurses and APRNs to pursue certifications, too.”
Before she held the impressive titles of CCRN®, CMC® and CSC®, she recalls gaining inspiration as a new grad nurse. “When I was a new graduate nurse, I remember working with a seasoned nurse and she had all of the letters attached to her name and I told myself that was going to be me one day. A little over 10 years later, and here she is.
Allison’s Advice: How to Pass the CCRN®, CMC®, and CSC® Exams
1. Get Real About Why You Want To Pass the CCRN®, CMC®, and CSC® Exams
“100% do it! You won’t regret it,” says Allison. But she’s honest: Passing the CCRN®, CMC®, and CSC® exams is not easy.
“It took me three tries to pass the CCRN® because I wasn’t serious about how to prepare. Once I understood my ‘why,’ everything clicked. The same goes for the CMC® and CSC®.”
2. Study Smarter with the Best Resources to Pass the CCRN®, CMC®, and CSC® Exams
Allison highly recommends Nicole Kupchik’s review courses for the CMC® and CSC®. “I found her through Instagram. Her live courses were interactive, packed with practice questions, and very engaging.”
Nicole Kupchik offers:
- Live Review Webinars (CCRN®, PCCN®, CMC®, CSC®)
- Study Guides
- Practice Question Books
- On-Demand Review Courses
The practice question book was her favorite:
“Reviewing the rationales helped me learn from my mistakes so I wouldn’t repeat them.”
3. Focus on Your Weak Areas When Studying for the CCRN®, CMC® and CSC® Exams
For Allison, the hardest topics were:
- Pacemakers
- Valve Disorders
- STEMIs
“It’s not about memorization—it’s about connecting the material to real patients. That’s when it sticks.”
From Inspiration to Certification: Allison’s Nursing Journey
10 years ago, Allison was a new grad who worked alongside a seasoned nurse who had all those letters behind her name. She told herself, ‘That will be me someday.’ She did it, and you can too.
Now, Allison supports patients in cardiogenic shock, witnessing their journey to recovery after LVAD implantation or heart transplantation—a source of immense professional fulfillment.
When she is not helping patients, she enjoys spending time with her beautiful wife, three furbabies (black lab, golden retriever, and tabby cat), running (training for a 1/2 marathon this summer!), shoe shopping, napping, and being outside.
Want more insight and inspiration from Allison’s life as a nurse and pet mom?
Follow her on Instagram: @allisonmarie051986
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