What type of ICU experience?

UCDSICURN · Aug 28, 2004

Each ICU has it's own advantages and disadvantages and has varying degrees of exposure to various types of patients. Just as long as you get the experience you listed, that is sufficient. They're looking for you to acquire basic skills and knowledge in that one year of experience they require. It seems quite a few folks have gotten in with a year of experience and regardless of what unit you will work in you'll be getting your basics down and you will not be an expert in anything. I'd go for unit that you would be passionate about and want to learn as much as you can in the short time that you'll have there and a unit that you may want to do over a year in just in case you don't get accepted your first time around. Don't worry about what label your unit has, worry about your own personal and professional growth.

Another thing to consider is the working envirnoment. You could be in a top notch high acuity ICU that gets the sickest of the sick. But how is the orientation? Will you be getting those sick sickies or just the ones that are about to be tranferred out? Do the nurses get along together?

I know I kinda rambled on, but I don't want you to make a decision based on a name or patient population. Look at the total package. If you're in an ICU more than likely you'll be getting the basics down that you need, especially at a large facility as the one you described. Go for the total package and the unit that interests you the most.

I hope this helps,

Donn C.

futuregasman · Aug 28, 2004

I have read in previous threads that Open Heart Recovery is a good selection for ICU experience. You get a lot of action with swans, a-lines and vaso active medications. There are also opportunities to run codes....hopefully on one of your cooworkers patients :)

rollingstone · Aug 28, 2004

I'd go for the cardiothoracic ICU. Lots of Swans and drips there, not to mention temporary pacemakers. Have fun!

cubRN · Aug 28, 2004

I work in Trauma and Neurosurgery ICU....

There are swans, drips, all types of pressure monitor's. The patient population is usually younger with less medical problems, but they are just as sick. Nothing beats the trauma drama (for me anyways). I have worked in all of the ICU settings, but this unit gave me a great orientation, the people are amazing, and the high paced adrenaline rush is definetly there. I guess I have found my passion, good luck with yours

:)

TraumaQueen · Aug 28, 2004

I think it depends on the school you're interested in.

We have a burn unit, neuro unit, cicu, but our trauma, surgery, transplant, open belly and general surgery catch-all unit is the unit of their choice for experience.

Good luck! :)

catcolalex · Aug 28, 2004

Since you will be in the OR a lot as a CRNA and SRNA, SICU would afford you the chance to learn a lot about surgery as well as all the other goodies. Basically the answer comes down to "it doesn't matter" just somewhere that you will learn a lot and enjoy it at the same time.

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Aug 28, 2004

I work in a medical/respiratory ICU and get Swans, tons of vents, vasoactive drips, get to be on the code team, etc. I got accepted to 2 CRNA programs. It really doesn't matter which ICU you choose, just make sure it's a place that is willing to teach new grads and where you will get a great orientation. I turned down positions in other units because I would be one of the first new grads in awhile! I wanted a place with a good environment for learning where I would work with other young people like myself! My recommendation is to shadow for a day on each unit you are interested in and see where you fit the best.

stklgs · Aug 28, 2004

Shayna,

I am a Cardiac ICU nurse and have recently applied to several CRNA programs. Several of my friends are currently students in programs and a couple of them are CRNA's now. Just to let you know from what they tell me is that CRNA programs do prefer a strong cardiac backround. They tell me that Cardiac ICU, CVICU and Open Heart are the areas to be be in if you are looking for experience prior to applying. This info comes from CRNA's and SRNA's. Good Luck!!

I was just wondering...I know it is standard to have at least a year of ICU experience before applying to a CRNA program, but is any one better than the other? From what I have read on this forum ICU's w/vasoactive drips, swans, hemodynamic monitoring, vents, etc. are great. I am just trying to figure out which type of ICU would give me the best of this experience. I am a senior in my BSN progam, so I am still very green
The major trauma hospital in my area has may types of ICU's--Surgical ICU, Burn ICU, Coronary ICU, Cardiothoracic ICU, and Neurosurg. ICU not to name them all. Would any of these be a better learning environ. and give be more expereice when applying to a CRNA program? Thanks in advance for the info!

Quincke · Aug 30, 2004

I am starting my second year of school, and there are people in my class from many different ICUs: cardiac, neuro, transplant, medical, surgical, and pediatric. Point being, I don't think it matters where you get your experience, but what you learn while you're there. Ask questions about what you don't understand, learn your vasoactive drips and hemodynamics, and get good at clinical skills. Once you start anesthesia school, you will realize there are tons and tons of things more to learn, so you just want a good foundation to start on. Hope this helps:)

sonessrna · Aug 31, 2004

I agree with those who say it depends on the school. You should check with the schools you are interested in and see what are their requirements for ICU experience and what they recommend. Most recommend SICU of some sort...then MICU, CCU, PICU, NICU etc. My school; has a rank order of preferred ICU experience...but the truth is they don't care that much. Be sure if you are considering using NICU, PACU, or ED as your experience you check with your schooll...some don't take these as the experience.

Shayna24 · Aug 31, 2004

Thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge---I am much more educated now!!