Question about ICU experience.

Aug 23, 2002 08:44 PM

by lynncm

Hi
This is my first time posting something and I would like to let everyone know that I really enjoy this site and I love reading all your comments. It is motivating. Good luck to everyone.

Here is my question. I am almost finished with my BSN. I am debating on if I should take a job in ICU at a smaller local hospital close to my home for my experience or drive to a larger hospital for example OSU Medical Center and work in ICU for my experience. I was thinking of maybe working in SICU at OSU.
Do you think working at a large, level one hospital would make much of a difference in getting into nurse anesthesia school? I guess I am asking do you think the 1 and 1/2 hour drive to OSU would be worth it?
The closest level one trauma centers to me are in Columbus Ohio and Charleston WV (CAMC) both are about a 1 1/2 - 2 hour drive.
I hope I made since.

Thanks

lgcv · Aug 23, 2002, 09:02 PM

It depends on how small the local ICU is. If it is a really small unit, with only limited numbers of patients with swans/vents/ and all the things that go with those, then it will not provide you with the experience you need.
If they have a high acuity population on a regular basis then it will be fine.
Hope that helps.

smogmatt · Aug 23, 2002, 09:21 PM

I had that same ?? about a year ago when I was finishing up my RN. I actully emailed all the schools I was interested in and asked what they like to see in an app. I told them i was considering a large level 1 hospital a small rural hospital and a midsize (level 2) hospital. most everyone said if you can get the experance (ie swans vents vasoactive drips etc.) it didn't matter.

I eventually settled on the midsize ICU we have Neuro, Cardio, Med and Surg. I really like it be cause I get to see a little of everything.

hope that helps

Matt

alansmith52 · Aug 24, 2002, 01:46 AM

my only insight.

I used to work a small 50 beder. the ICU had swans on occasion but mostly the nurses with the most experince took them. they had a lot of rule out MI's. there was a guy who applied three years in a row. and was told our ICU was too small. thats what motivted me to come here.
some care more than others i think .

It seems like the answer to most of these questions is "call the school and see what they want".
matt

WntrMute2 · Aug 24, 2002, 05:46 AM

I suggest going for the bigger, more sophisticated ICU. First, you won't be worried the next year that your experience won't be good enough. Second, your experiencewillbe better. There is a huge difference between the type of patients and situations that I took care of and the types of patients most of my classmates did. They all got in obviously but I was required to operate at a higher level and therefore learned more during those ICU years. The reason the schools want ICU experience is for you to learn not just to meet admission requirements. Go for the long drive. In the end you will be thankful. Remember, once in school you'll hav a lot more inconviences than a long drive.

kmchugh · Aug 24, 2002, 06:47 AM

I have to agree with Dave. You probably will get better experiences working in the larger ICU. The smaller hospitals often put patients in ICU's that the larger level 1 trauma centers would consider moving to the floor. You will also have more exposure to sicker patients and newer technology.

Kevin McHugh, CRNA

Qwiigley · Aug 24, 2002, 10:51 AM

With all of the competition out there, why risk not having enough experience? I drive 1.5 hours to work daily for the past 5 years. Never bothered me. I get up a little earlier, almost nver late for work, cuz I have a buffer of time. I listen to new and talk radio in the morning, to get up to date with the world, and buy/rent books on tape for the relaxing drive home (Los Angles traffic). All in all, I love my job, I love where I work, its just time to continue on toward my goal.

lynncm · Aug 24, 2002, 05:22 PM

THANKS SO MUCH!!!
Everyone's advice has been a great help. I had been debating over this for a while until reading everyone's comments. It is a relief to finally decide without a doubt. You all have really HELPED me.

I will go for the long drive!

Christy

jperry25 · Aug 25, 2002, 07:06 PM

Christy,

I just graduated in May and am also interested in CRNA school. I live an hour away from a level 1 trauma center and 10 minutes away from a small rural hospital with 55 beds and a 4 bed ICU. I also debated between the closer drive and the better experience in a surgical ICU at a teaching hospital. I decided to go for the hour drive and get the better experience with vents, swans, and vasodrips. It makes for a long day but it's possible and look at it this way, you only have to drive there 3 days a week if you work twelve hour shifts. I don't think you'll regret the long drive to get a great experience.

Goodluck and be careful on the road,
Jan

DIVER CRNA · Aug 26, 2002, 01:41 PM

I agree with choice of a larger level one trauma center for your ICU exposure, it truly will be more comprehensive. Most importantly, I believe you should consider the training (preceptorship, critical care course, ACLS, PALS) they will provide supplemental to your actual experiences. Some hospitals only provide 8 weeks while others provide up to six months of preceptorship, which is invaluable! ICU's are hurting for warm bodies and often you will find them selling the position rather than recruiting quality personel. I say this because you truly don't want to work in an ICU with 5 new grads and only 3 veteran personal to train them. Do your research. With your experience you surely won't be turned down from an ICU offering, but you may find yourself being the wise and selective candidate. Goodluck to you---Jeff

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Question about ICU experience.

Question about ICU experience.

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