[JoeyRN]

Hello all,
I need some guidance from those of you in the trenches. I am hoping to become a CRNA and in the process of picking schools to apply to. I need to gain some critical care experience. I do have some experience in progressive care unit, and hve been in health care for many years as a respiratory therapist. Here is my perplexing problem....I have been offered a job at my current hosptial in the ICU...good pay...close to home...small community hospital icu..will only get a 3 week orientation and likely pulled to other units frequently depending on census. Option number 2....I have also been offered a position in a Level 1 trauma center MICU/SICU..pay is a few dollars less, and its a 90 minute drive..16 week orientation..and will rarely be pulled to other units...the experience will most likely be much better than my current hospitals icu. So what to do...Less money/better experience/lenghty commute or close to home/less experience/better money....Anyone got any guideing words of wisdom??? PLEASE!!
Thanks
JO

[CRNA70]

Have Level 1 trauma MICU/SICU experience looks WAY better than the community hospital you described. I am a CRNA/Educator and I interview and screen applicants for our CRNA program. Take my advice--do the level 1. It's not only important for interviewing purposes--it's your foundation for CRNA school.

[marissa81579]

Gosh 90 minutes of driving seems far for work - are you only working 3 days a week? That isn't so bad. At any rate, the Level 1 Trauma Center is much better for a future CRNA. You will learn so much more! I would do it. Try to move closer if you must. Good luck .

[heartnurseinva]

Community hospital...boring.
Throw yourself into the Level I arena...you will see/learn a whole heck of a lot more!!
I do not know where you live...but I am sure you could negotiate a salary. The LEVEL I could possibly have a better tuition assistance program. THINK OF THE LONGTERM BENEFITS.