CRNA Hopeful: Should I stay in the Neuro ICU or move to the SICU?

[froyoaddict]

I need some advice! I've worked in the neurosurgical ICU at a large university hospital for about 7 months, and so far, I've been very happy there. I like my patients, managers, and co-workers, and I've already been afforded many leadership opportunities on the unit.

I'm interested in going back to anesthesia school in a couple years, however, and I've heard it's often difficult for neuro nurses to get accepted to CRNA school. Three nurses on our unit did get offers to CRNA schools last year, so I know it's not IMPOSSIBLE, but I am aware I would have a disadvantage in comparison to nurses from SICUs and CVICUs.

The issue is that I've been offered a position in the SICU at another large hospital. If I take it, I will be required to stay there for at least 2 years, and I'm not necessarily guaranteed any of the same experiences I've had or will have on my current unit. (It's a 40-bed unit - whereas the unit I'm currently on only has 20 beds - so I imagine they won't have a huge need for more charge nurses or committee chairs anytime soon.)

The more I think about it, the more reasons I find for staying on my current unit, but I worry I might be putting myself at a disadvantage if I do so. (I do work with lots of vents and titrate lots of drips, but my patients are not nearly as sick as most patients in the SICU.)

Anyone have any advice one way or the other?

Thanks!

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

I think you should stay where you are (you have only been there for 7 months and your resume does go along with your application) and see if you can float to SICU or get a PRN job at your current hospital.

[ktliz]

You said yourself that you are happy there and the unit has offered you great opportunities. That, combined with the fact that your co-workers are getting accepted, makes me think you should stay. It doesn't hurt to show a little job loyalty, either.

Do you have the opportunity to float to other critical care areas? Or you could pick up a per diem job somewhere.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

thread moved fro best response

[CPhT2RNstudent]

I am in CRNA school right now. I have 4 years of trauma I neuro. Having said that I am the only one in my class that was a neuro nurse. You should be fine.

[froyoaddict]

Thanks for all your advice! After much consideration, I've decided to stay on my current unit. CPhT2RNstudent... did you feel like your experience put you at any kind of disadvantage after you actually began your program? I'm still a little nervous about turning down this SICU job :-/

[RisR32]

Hi OP, my whole career as a Nurse has been Neurosurgical/Trauma (step-down and full ICU) at a Level 1. I am currently in CRNA school and feel that having a Neuro ICU background has only helped not hindered. Due to my prior experience, I am very familiar with most of the IV drugs that are used in Anesthesia practice ex. paralytics, analgesics. My understanding of their effects at a cellular/chemical level on the SNS and PSNS came quite easily. I feel that being a neuro nurse has only been beneficial. Don't switch if you enjoy it. I couldn't imagine working as a nurse in any other population. Don't let anyone tell you that it will hold you back from being accepted into CRNA school. I had no issues and was very confident in my interview.

[CPhT2RNstudent]

The only draw back is I have minimal swan experience. I think you are more likely to get on with SICU but if you interview well and have decent gpa, recommendations, etc you will get in whether your experience is neuro or some other ICU. I say stick with it (neuro) and apply.

[lady_stic]

I think you made a good decision. After having gone through 6 applications, I've realized that programs don't put as much emphasis on the type of ICU you've worked in as I was led to believe. As long as you titrate gtts, manage ventilated patients and do invasive monitoring, you'll be fine. Focus on obtaining your CCRN and doing other things to boost your application. Good luck!

[Reno1978, BSN, RN]

I wouldn't change jobs. As long as you get the big picture and can critically think about what is going on with your patients, you're in good shape. Get comfortable with vents, critical care pharmacology, hemodynamics monitoring, and rescussitation, shadow a CRNA and apply! Good luck!