I am graduating in May, 07 (THANK GOODNESS!) with an ADN from a highly respected, tough school. I have managed a 3.1 GPA and hopefully 3.25 GPA by the end of this semester. However, I am typically a 91-94% student, and our grading system is A (94-100) and B (87-93), which I think is unfair, but whatever, deal with it right?! Anyways, I'm very close to accepting my first RN job, and having worked in telemetry and ICU as a CNA for almost two years, would one year of "32 bed intermediate care step down unit" that has CABG's, permanent pacers, ACS, CHF, arrhythmias, long term vent pt's, and is considered Critical Care be a good stepping stone to perhaps a year of ICU (maybe more) while I am getting my BSN? In terms of gaining acceptance to CRNA school? Or should I look elsewhere for a straight ICU fellowship, or maybe plan on more years of strict ICU experience (with Swanz and such)? This is a pretty large hospital, but not level 1. Not considered "teaching" at this point, but very close. If that makes sense? Basicly, would one year of cardiac step down with 1-2 years of ICU be sufficient? (This is all "heresay" but kinda sorta confident "heresay", if you will.) I cannot even THINK about entry into CRNA program for at least two years, more likely three, when my wife graduates with dental hygiene degree (hence, she will be the sole provider, or the "bank"!) So minimum of 2 years ICU with one year step-down cardiac. That's my plan, and i'm stickin to it! And also, I hope to achieve at least a 3.6-ish GPA in the BSN portion, since I am a strict 91-94% student, and the school I choose will have a traditional GPA system!
Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Brad