Job Experience

You'll need to work at least a year in a critical care setting. That's the minimum. CRNA school is very competitive, so I'm betting most will want more than that year.

My two cents is that maybe you should tech in the icu. I started ICU after two years in the OR as a nurse, but the new grads that had worked as techs in the ICU were ahead of me. You sound very motivated and assertive, so if you're interested in phlebotomy, go ahead. I'm sure your well-rounded background will impress schools.

also, if you tech in an ICU, and do a good job, you are more likely to get hired there right out of school. This is what i did. also, if you have a chance do an externship with an ICU.

good luck.

Phlebotomy is a good move to make because you will need the experience in looking for those veins. As a nursing student, I worked in ICU as a tech because I had aspirations of possibly going to CRNA school. You will learn a lot more in ICU then you will on a typical med-surg floor, and most people realize this. If you had to make a choick between phlebotomy and being in ICU, by all means, go to ICU. The experience and knowledge you gain is much more valuable then going around poking people's arms all the time. you will have time for that when you become an RN. You will find that you'll be much more knowledgeable in ICU i bet. Plus you may get your foot in the door for a possible job when you get out of school. Then you'll be on the fast track to CRNA school, cuz as you know, you need a year of critical care for CRNA.

Good luck.