Best ICU experience

[Katie612]

Where do you think I would get the best ICU experience?

Level 1 trauma urban county hospital or a non-county urban, but smaller hospital?

Thanks.

[EricTAMUCC-BSN, BSN, RN]

smaller. best wishes.

[TexasGas]

I have no idea why the last poster said the smaller was the better. It sounds as if they are both in a large city setting. There is no question that both hospitals will see a large volume of pts. The question will be answered in how do the preceptor programs at each hospital stack up? Will one teach you one on one or is it a modular program? How soon will each hospital allow you to become ACLS, PALS, IABP, (etc) certified? Will you have the opportunity to do CV work as well as trauma as well as neuro or will you have to choose a particular critical care unit? Days vs nights? Depending upon your area, SOMETIMES the non-public hospitals have some of the newest equipment to learn on, but that is not always the case. A level 1 trauma will see & TREAT burns that you will never see at a lower facility, but that won't make or break your chances to get into CRNA school. Find what is important to you. As long as both hospitals are capable of treating high acuity pts that are not limited to SVT and sepsis, I think you will be fine.

I personally think that these are important questions to BEGIN to compare what experience you will have at each facility.

[Katie612]

Good advise, Thanks!