CRRN Spotlight: Ylse Bear, CRRN

The Certified Registered Rehabilitation Nurse (CRRN^®) exam is offered twice a year, in June and December, and offers rehab nurses on the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to the field through specialty certification. Due to COVID-19, nurses who sit for the December 2020 exam will have the opportunity to test from their home or office through remote proctoring.

ARN asked Ylse Bear, CRRN to answer a few questions about her experience sitting for and passing the exam via remote proctoring earlier this year.

Why did you choose to pursue your CRRN credential? ​ 

I work with spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. A lot of my colleagues, whom I really admire, have their CRRN. They really know what they are doing, and they make it look so effortless. I also think that their title of CRRN makes them more confident. I wanted to be the same way. I'm so grateful to these colleagues for all they have taught me and for encouraging me to sit for the CRRN exam.

Did you have a positive experience with CRRN remote test proctoring? ​

I was very excited and nervous to do remote test proctoring. I thought I would be able to see the proctor and might be distracted by them. But it was not like that at all. It was quiet and soon I forgot I was even in live proctoring. At one point, my test froze. My proctor was so nice and helpful. I had to restart the testing program, but all my answers were saved so it was not a problem at all.

Did you see any advantages in being able to take the CRRN exam remotely vs. in an in-person testing center? ​

Because of everything going on right now with COVID, I really enjoyed taking the exam remotely. But, even setting my COVID concerns aside, I still would choose to take the exam remotely if given the option. It was convenient not having to worry about directions or being late. It is already stressful to take such an important test, and remote testing eased some of the stress.

Would you recommend that your nursing peers consider sitting for the CRRN exam, and if so, any tips you'd like to share with someone who may be considering sitting for the exam? ​

If someone is serious and passionate about rehabilitation, then yes they should take the exam! It is nice to say you have experience in rehab but it is so much more official to say you are CRRN certified. It instills self-confidence and increases patient confidence, too. Tips include finding support, a book to read because the CRRN encompasses all of rehab not just one area, and time to study. If you are actively in a rehab unit then you should talk to other CRRNs and rehab doctors. They are the best resources.

How do you anticipate that the CRRN credential will impact your career? ​

I believe that because I work in the rehab setting, having a CRRN can only positively impact my career. It is nice to talk to a patient with a new SCI and have them feel confident in me because I have this certification. They know that they are being taken care of.

The deadline to apply to sit for the December 2020 exam is November 1 ​ 

When you earn your CRRN, you validate your professional standing as an experienced rehabilitation nurse with a documented level of knowledge and your commitment to patient care. Join Ylse and more than 13,000 other rehabilitation nursing professionals by taking this next step in your career. See steps to certification >

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