Size of hospitals ICU???

Jan 11, 2004 02:04 PM

by RN2BUKY

Hi! I am currently in a BSN program and have been compiling information on becoming a CRNA. I went into nursing knowing I wanted to do this. I have been on the AANA website many times. I know that I have to have at least one year of acute care nursing under my belt before I can apply to a NA program. I have read on here many times that the bigger the ICU the better. I want to work in the NICU. The question that I have is this..How do I knowif the hospitals ICU or NICU is big enough to make me a competitive canidate? I will most likely work at Uk Chandler medical center in Lexington Ky. Thank you in advance!

NCgirl · Jan 11, 2004, 02:35 PM

If by NICU you mean neonatal, you need to verify with the NA programs that you'll be applying to that they accept that. Most (but there are exceptions) programs will only take adult experience. As far as the size of the unit, generally bigger is better. But more importantly than that is the type patient, not the number. The highest acuity is what most schools want. Try to find a good level I trauma center that is the areas main referral center. These are just some observations I had, it may not be the same in other parts of the country. Good luck!

RN2BUKY · Jan 11, 2004, 03:36 PM

Thanks for your response NCgirl! I did mean Neonatal. I am from Charleston WV and want to move back there eventually so I will apply to CAMC's program. I have been on camcare's web site and i know what the minimum requirements are, but if any one is currently going there or has been accepted to CAMC's NA program I would love to hear what you think made you the best candidate!!!

Thanks !!!!!

smogmatt · Jan 11, 2004, 05:53 PM

call or email the programs your interested in, they will let you know what types of ICU's they like.

good luck

richard13 · Jan 12, 2004, 09:25 AM

Yes, call the schools and talk with the program director to see what they want. Often times the applicants have an average of 3-5 years experience in an ICU. So that's something to think about. I do know of a girl from a neonatal ICU in a CRNA program, so it can be done. It's all about the acuity of the particular unit and the way you present it in your interview.

Elenaster · Jan 12, 2004, 04:22 PM

RN2BUKY,

I believe NCgirl is correct about the acuity of the unit being of greater importance than the size of the unit. Any of the adult ICUs at UK would certainly be adequate since it is a Level I Trauma Center. I would check with CAMC and see if they accept NICU as the 1 year ICU requirement.

On another note, I graduated from the same program you're currently attending. If you ever have questions, please feel free to PM me.

tommy · Jan 13, 2004, 05:29 AM

Hi!
In response to your question about CAMC's program. I am accepted to start this May. I felt like they mostly concentrated on GPA and GRE. The interview was very relaxed and nothing to worry about.... some general questions that anyone who has worked critical care should know, and get-to-know you questions. I work in a large hospital in SICU, and have for about three years. I don't know how much that played into getting accepted.

you can pm me if you need more detail.

RN2BUKY · Jan 16, 2004, 11:40 AM

Thank you everyone for your replies. Elenaster, I will definaltley take you up on your offer. Tommy the closer I get to graduation the more I'll need your insight. Also , good luck with your program!!

New To Site	Need Help	Quick Links
Create An Account General Site Map allnurses.com Journals Terms Of Service Privacy Policy Testimonials Meet Our Staff Advertising Information	Information Center & FAQ Boards of Nursing How-To Video Tutorials Did you forget your password? Compare Membership Contact allnurses.com Text Version Mark All Sections As Read	United States Nursing International Nursing Nursing Specialty Advanced Practice Nursing Critical Care Nursing Nursing Specialties Get In Touch... Find Us On Facebook Follow Us On Twitter

Size of hospitals ICU???

Size of hospitals ICU???

Nursing News

lawsuit - But don't most RN's work through breaks/lunch...

Patient Evaluation of Retail Clinic Care

The hard to reach on-call doctor, and its effects on...

Woman charged with passing off prescription drug as...

Man in "Vegetative State" was conscious for 23...

Interesting article on ThedaCare's Collaborative Care Model

Possible breakthrough regarding MS

16th Philly area hospital to stop delivering babies: Mercy...

Really interesting article on Indian open hearts

High-Tech Pump Does What Her Heart Can't

Nursing Articles

Dear preceptor

Society Needs Care Too

Why am I doing this, anyway?

Nurse Heal Thyself

My Papa, why I am the nurse I am today.

I made it through

An angel's gaze

A Sister Never Forgets

Ruby's Marbles

What Do Operating Room Nurses Do?

My Little Old Jedi

I love this job......

"I hear voices"

Preventing FRUTI (Foley Related Urinary Tract Infection) in...

Error and Attitude

Available Topics (tags)