Registry/SOS ICU - Will it count?

[punkstar]

Hi there,

I currently work in a Level I Trauma ER as a staff nurse. I am continuing my education beginning this January 2009, in pursuit of my BSN. I am looking to pick up a registry ICU position while working full-time in the ER, and going back to school part-time. It's a 1.5 year online program, so it defintely accomodates my schedule. My question is would most CRNA programs accept ICU experience even if it were a REGISTRY position as opposed to accruing that 1-2 year experience as a part-timer or full-timer? Any feedback is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Punkstar

[FLTraumaRN]

Hi there,

I currently work in a Level I Trauma ER as a staff nurse. I am continuing my education beginning this January 2009, in pursuit of my BSN. I am looking to pick up a registry ICU position while working full-time in the ER, and going back to school part-time. It's a 1.5 year online program, so it defintely accomodates my schedule. My question is would most CRNA programs accept ICU experience even if it were a REGISTRY position as opposed to accruing that 1-2 year experience as a part-timer or full-timer? Any feedback is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Punkstar

Hi there, I worked in a trauma resuscitation unit (ER for trauma only) before starting school, but had many years of ICU experience before that. I would recommend getting some true ICU experience, not just per diem. There is definitely some experiences in the ICU you don't get in the ER, even a busy one. Plus, you will need letters of recommendation that speak to critical care experience. THere are schools out there that don't accept ER experience at all. You can check with schools you may be interested and find out if they will accept ER experience. You have time to investigate.

Decide for sure if you want to be a CRNA, and if so you will be willing to do whatever you need to do to get to that point!