[rmcgrog]

Just looking for some advice.......I've been an ER nurse for 12 years and it pretty much is the only experience that I have. I am interested in transferring into a CVU so I can learn hemodynamic monitoring and advanced critical care skills. I am hoping to get accepted into a nurse anesthetist program in the future (about 2 more years) and transferring into this specialty will greatly increase my chances of getting accepted. I prefer CVU over MICU or SICU as there is a high turnover of patients and probably a higher exposure to hemodynamic monitoring. The problem is I am completely in my comfort zone and I am afraid to leave. I am confident in my current position and I love my job.......I just can't do it for another 20 years! How long do you think it will take me to become comfortable in a CVU setting? and if anyone lives in NJ I would appreciate any info regarding a good facility to start in. I really appreciate any advice, info., and encouragement I can get...Thanks!!

[Dinith88]

Well, you'll surely get exposed to swans and hemodynamics and such..should be a great experience for you. You'll also get your hands on balloon pumps, strykers,
a-lines, cvp's, sheaths, icp-monitors, etc. These are things the ICU people see daily and will without a doubt broaden your experience and help you in any future anesthesia endeavor.

As far as advice?? Well, if you honestly feel this will increase your chances at acceptance into a program, than by all means do it!
I'm sure it took you more than a few months to reach your current 'comfort-zone'...so just go into knowing it may take awhile to reach a new one



Good Luck to you!

[rollingstone]

Originally Posted by Dinith88

Well, you'll surely get exposed to swans and hemodynamics and such..should be a great experience for you. You'll also get your hands on balloon pumps, strykers,
a-lines, cvp's, sheaths, icp-monitors, etc. These are things the ICU people see daily and will without a doubt broaden your experience and help you in any future anesthesia endeavor.

As far as advice?? Well, if you honestly feel this will increase your chances at acceptance into a program, than by all means do it!
I'm sure it took you more than a few months to reach your current 'comfort-zone'...so just go into knowing it may take awhile to reach a new one



Good Luck to you!

I agree. My advice is don't be afraid to challenge yourself.

[XIGRIS]

Originally Posted by rmcgrog

Just looking for some advice.......I've been an ER nurse for 12 years and it pretty much is the only experience that I have. I am interested in transferring into a CVU so I can learn hemodynamic monitoring and advanced critical care skills. I am hoping to get accepted into a nurse anesthetist program in the future (about 2 more years) and transferring into this specialty will greatly increase my chances of getting accepted. I prefer CVU over MICU or SICU as there is a high turnover of patients and probably a higher exposure to hemodynamic monitoring. The problem is I am completely in my comfort zone and I am afraid to leave. I am confident in my current position and I love my job.......I just can't do it for another 20 years! How long do you think it will take me to become comfortable in a CVU setting? and if anyone lives in NJ I would appreciate any info regarding a good facility to start in. I really appreciate any advice, info., and encouragement I can get...Thanks!!

My only advice is to be very flexible and trainable. When you have been a nurse for 12 years more likely you have your way of doing things. When you start in CVICU, your preceptor will train you as a critical care thinker and he ( or she ) will teach you new ways of dealing with these types of patients. In my experience, i have encountered seasoned nurses who are sometimes stuck in their ways. I have been a nurse for 14 years and doing CVICU for 14 years. I find it hard to train nurses who are not flexible.
Also, you need to absorb new concepts as quick as you can. The faster it is you learn, the better.
Your clinical background will help you in your CRNA application. If you have a high GPA, GRE and good recommendations then you'll do fine.
I, for one, is going to CRNA school this Fall. Good luck....

[Surgical Hrt RN]

You ask how long will it take for you to feel comfortable in new surroundings......it will take 6 months for you to feel like you truly fit in. You know what I mean, being able to find stuff, confident in what you are doing, feeling like you finally broke the ice and have friendships. My mom has been a nurse for several years and has changed jobs a few times. She gave me this advice not too long ago. I, myself, am changing jobs. She told me that if you still hate it after a year, then it is time to move on. But, you really need to give yourself that 6 months to adjust!