[stanquim]

Hello all, gotta question, which would be better for me to work at in preparing to go to anestheis school , which would look better on a resume, the trauma icu or working in a med-surg icu, which one is a more challenging place to work at , and which would better prepare me for anesthesia school, all feedback is appreciated, thank you

[LoveICU]

I am not currently in NA school or a nurse anesthetist. I am planning to apply this year. I have worked both in a TICU and CCU. They both offer good opps. One thing to consider is what is the size of the med-surgical ICU. Do they titrate many vasoactives,etc? I learned a lot about the different drips and definately titrated more and learned more ekg rhythms,etc in the CCU that I worked at. However, I took care of more post-op pts. that were wayyyyy unstable and had more codes,etc in trauma. I think the trauma ICU experience would definately stand out, but I think you may be weak in EKGs bc alot of the patients are young without cardiac dysrhythmias. It really depends on the med-surg icu you are describing. Both are good experiences! Good luck!!

[stanquim]

the med-surg is a med-surg at a level 1 trauma hospital, big teaching, research hospital its 15 beds very sick patients. thank you for all of the info , much appreciated.

[ICUnursetoCRNA]

I work at a level 1 also, and there are people going from surg -trauma (my unit), several from the medical, one from the neuro, and Im not sure about cardiac. My school asked questions based on what they felt I should know. If you can work in ST, you can work in any unit. Good luck

[Sandman09]

At a level 1 either is probably great. The biggies are being comfortable with the things you will be using as a CRNA.
1. Vents-will you have a lot of them, will you be involved with them or the RT do everything. Are the RT's good and teach you?
2. Drips-sedation(benzos, opiates, and propofol), paralytics, and most importantly vasoactive meds.
3. Codes-they suck but you don't want to be doing it for the first time when you're the provider do you?
4. Monitoring-Art lines, CVP, Swan,ICP/Ventrics etc.
5. Equipment-Prisma, Balloon Pump, etc are all icing on the cake
6. How sick are they- at a level 1 probably not an issue
If you are comfortable with all these things not only will getting in be easier but you won't get as many surprises if you already know your stuff.
Hope this helps

[mummer43]

Originally Posted by Sandman09

At a level 1 either is probably great. The biggies are being comfortable with the things you will be using as a CRNA.
1. Vents-will you have a lot of them, will you be involved with them or the RT do everything. Are the RT's good and teach you?
2. Drips-sedation(benzos, opiates, and propofol), paralytics, and most importantly vasoactive meds.
3. Codes-they suck but you don't want to be doing it for the first time when you're the provider do you?
4. Monitoring-Art lines, CVP, Swan,ICP/Ventrics etc.
5. Equipment-Prisma, Balloon Pump, etc are all icing on the cake
6. How sick are they- at a level 1 probably not an issue
If you are comfortable with all these things not only will getting in be easier but you won't get as many surprises if you already know your stuff.
Hope this helps

This is exactly the type of experience that schools are looking for. That's the main reason I chose to work in an open heart unit. I am gaining great experience with all the above and I have even taken care of a patient with a bi-VAD. If that isn't good experience, then I don't know what is.