This is a discussion on Working in the GI Lab, Hoping to Become CRNA in the Future

[zhapatoot]

I am a recent New Grad who was fortunate enough to find a job within a month of passing boards. When an opportunity to be trained mainly as a full-time GI Lab RN, with cross training in the Cath Lab, OR, and Recovery came along, I couldn't believe it and took the job with no hesitation.

I have ALWAYS wanted to become an OR nurse, and eventually a CRNA. However, after reading over some CRNA school prerequisites, I can't help but feel that I may not be competent enough to be accepted into a CRNA program if I stay in the GI Lab, considering most programs want ICU experience.

My plan is to transition from being a GI Lab nurse into an OR nurse within a year or two. So my question is: Do I have a chance at becoming a CRNA if I become an OR nurse, or should I switch to an ICU floor?

[ckh23, BSN, RN]

Every program has their own criteria for experience, but almost all of them require some type of critical care experience. If your end goal is CRNA, then you would only be wasting your time as an OR nurse. Start looking to get into an ICU and gaining the experience.

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

I agree, get into a high acuity ICU as soon as you can and get as many years experience as you can before you apply. It's nice to see what there is out there in the nursing world, and there are plenty of places that I wanted to work that I haven't had time to, but I have been focused on my goal.

good luck!

[gwapo]

I am a recent New Grad who was fortunate enough to find a job within a month of passing boards. When an opportunity to be trained mainly as a full-time GI Lab RN, with cross training in the Cath Lab, OR, and Recovery came along, I couldn't believe it and took the job with no hesitation.

I have ALWAYS wanted to become an OR nurse, and eventually a CRNA. However, after reading over some CRNA school prerequisites, I can't help but feel that I may not be competent enough to be accepted into a CRNA program if I stay in the GI Lab, considering most programs want ICU experience.

My plan is to transition from being a GI Lab nurse into an OR nurse within a year or two. So my question is: Do I have a chance at becoming a CRNA if I become an OR nurse, or should I switch to an ICU floor?

If your end goal is to be a CRNA, you should know by now that the only experience schools will take is critical care exprience -ICU, sometimes ER. That's it, regardless if what others say.. So if you really want it, get an icu job asap. I heard it is not easy nowadays so good luck. Congrts on d new job!!

[CPhT2RNstudent]

Like the post above me said..... you need ICU. OR, cath lab, PACU, GI lab will pay the bills, but will not get you into CRNA school.