Neuro ICU to CRNA

Schools take in to account the whole picture. For example, the last 60 hours of school count the most as well as your science grades. If you feel that these are too low you might consider retaking some of them. Also, if your GPA is not as competitive then you need to make yourself more competitive in other areas. The more ICU experience you have works in your favor, as well as the level of that ICU. In other words, a level I trauma center will be more helpful than a small ICU where you aren't exposed to Swans, vents, gtts, ventrics, etc. Also, having your CCRN is a big kudo whether or not the school you applied to requires it. And many schools (TCU did) want to see your CCRN score, so do the best you can on it. I also am a CNRN, and once you are a neuro ICU nurse for 2 years you can sit for this certification also. I wish you luck! Just be prepared because it's very, very competitive out there!

Yeah, u always here that cardiac is the best place to work. Blah, blah, blah..... So boring to me. I've had several cardiac nurses say they hate neuro cuz the pt's change so fast. Yep, as a neuro ICU nurse your assessment skills will be spot on! You should work there if it's what you want. Just make sure you get the skills u need, so if that unit isn't big on hemodynamic monitoring, gtts, etc.then look for a neuro unit with higher acuity. The program director at TCU is an ex neuro-ICU nurse! She is awesome!