The translation from an ICU nurse to an CRNA

Nursing Students SRNA

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I am currently in nursing school. I have about 1.5 years left (graduating in next spring). My long term goal is to become a CRNA. But first I have to go become an ICU Nurse for a year or so. But there is one thing that is bothering me. When I am done w/ school, apply for an icu nurse job, I am looking into applying as a traveling ICU nurse as to not at a regular hospital. Reason being is that if I were to apply at a regular hospital for an icu nurse job and tell the employer that my long-termgoals are to become a CRNA, the employer would think "OK", here's another applicant wanting to work in ICU for a year or so, then quit, and apply for CRNA school. Leaving me (the employer) in the dirt looking for more willing soon-to-be nurses to work in ICU. My deal is that I want to avoid this. So, the question is that what should I do? Work as a traveling icu nurse for a year or more OR work at one hospital for a year or more? I am trying to consider which path before even considering to apply for CRNA school. What is your take on this?

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You may have overlooked one important point. I don't think that any agency is going to hire a new grad as a ICU traveler due to lack of experience. You are better off working for the hospital if they are willing to train you- you can truthfully say that although you may consider advanced education in the future you are ready to concentrate on being the best possible ICU RN. Good luck:D

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I think you have to have a year of hospital experience before you can even work for an agency.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
I am currently in nursing school. I have about 1.5 years left (graduating in next spring). My long term goal is to become a CRNA. But first I have to go become an ICU Nurse for a year or so. But there is one thing that is bothering me. When I am done w/ school, apply for an icu nurse job, I am looking into applying as a traveling ICU nurse as to not at a regular hospital. Reason being is that if I were to apply at a regular hospital for an icu nurse job and tell the employer that my long-termgoals are to become a CRNA, the employer would think "OK", here's another applicant wanting to work in ICU for a year or so, then quit, and apply for CRNA school. Leaving me (the employer) in the dirt looking for more willing soon-to-be nurses to work in ICU. My deal is that I want to avoid this. So, the question is that what should I do? Work as a traveling icu nurse for a year or more OR work at one hospital for a year or more? I am trying to consider which path before even considering to apply for CRNA school. What is your take on this?

1. Worry about nursing school 1st.

2. I doubt anyone is going to hire you to be a travel nurse for ICU w/o having ICU experience.

3. If you are worried about someone not hiring you because you are thinking about going to CRNA school then simply don't tell anyone. It is no ones business but your own anyways.

I won't even get into what most CRNAs think of one year ICU wonders.:uhoh3:

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There's no law stating that you have to tell your future employer that your plan is for CRNA school in a short period of time. I wouldn't.

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Specializes in Hospitalist.

We are in the same boat. I get my BSN in May. I'm really excited to be done with nursing school. I work as a tech in two ICUs in 2 different hospitals. I want to secure myself a position in the ICU after graduation. CRNA school sounds great right now but even I know its still years away. Let me just say: When you graduate, you have to do an internship/residency in the ICU for usually about 3 months, wherein you have a preceptor (a more experienced ICU nurse) who you follow and learn from. Towards the end of those 3 months of orientation to the ICU as a new nurse, you are the main nurse and your preceptor sits back and watches you and makes sure you don't screw up. They also are a very good resource to learn from. After you are done with those 3 months, you are on your own in the ICU making decisions for patients. Now, most of your agencies and hospitals that will hire you on as a travel nurse expect you to be able to go to a particular hospital in a particular town and jump right into the ICU without much of an orientation to that ICU. So, most agencies and hospitals like for the travel nurse to have at least 1 year experience in the ICU before attempting to travel. And by then you will already be ready to start applying to CRNA schools. My advise is to just get an ICU job for a year in a Level 1 hospital. If, in the interview for your first ICU job after graduation or for an ICU tech position before you graduate, they ask you where you see yourself in five years, never lie. Also, you do not have to tell them everything about your future plans. They just want to know that you are goal driven and that you even have goals. Tell them, "Well, I'd like to go back and get my Master's sometime but I'm really excited about learning how to care for critical patients." If they ask you specifically which Master's you want to do (which I doubt they will) just say that you have looked into several things that involve caring for critically ill patients.

Good luck.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Work in an ICU. You need experience before becoming a traveler. Honestly, I would be vague about your plans to become a CRNA or travel nurse. If it comes up mention something like "I have an interest in graduate school but I'm still undecided. I'm looking for a good strong critical care backround to lay a foundation for my future etc." Try not to get pushed into med surg for "a year of experience" (unless you think it's necessary). My two cents

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Specializes in ER,STICU,MICU,TICU,CTICU.

You need to confirm whether they will give you a traveling job as a new nurse. They usually require experience. The acuity of the patients is what's most important. All ICU patients aren't always on drips or ventilator support. Surgical units are best. I worked in level 1 trauma facilities my majority of my career. 2 1/2 years ER , 3 yrs SICU,Transplant/cardiac surgery, Micu. I got into 2 schools. I start this Fall. I think 1 yr is generally not enough experience. Each individual might need more nursing experience. Follow year dreams but if you plan on taking that step I would definitely find a icu with high acuity patients. Eve

if they don't assign you to those PTs you can watch.

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Specializes in PICU.

Hi there,

You bring up a good question, and I can only speak from students' posts that I've read that are similar to the question you've posted, and from students that are currently in school. While being a traveling ICU nurse would be an amazing experience, and expose you to a variety of complex patients, you would typically be treated like a "float team" nurse, and not get the sickest patients. This is only from what I have heard, so don't quote me on that. The schools know this, and can probably gage what type of patients you've taken care of better if you've been exclusive to one unit like a SICU. However, if you do become a traveling ICU nurse you need to be sure to promote the skills you've learned in your letter on intent, and in your interview. To answer your next question, I would NEVER tell your manager in your interview, or anytime before needing a letter of rec from him/her that you're planning on applying to anesthesia school. It can be assumed by many, and that's ok, but don't tell anyone you're going. With that said, I wish you luck in your last 1.5 years of nursing school, and good luck in your future endevours.

seansanf120

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Specializes in CVICU.

I think you need a couple years of experience to work as a traveling ICU nurse. If it's not required it probably should be. Work at one hospital. When they ask about long term goals just say "Well, I've considered some sort of advanced practice nurse like a CRNA, but really before I go anywhere I want to learn about the ICU and focus on that for a few years."

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Specializes in Endoscopy/MICU/SICU.
I am currently in nursing school. I have about 1.5 years left (graduating in next spring). My long term goal is to become a CRNA. But first I have to go become an ICU Nurse for a year or so. But there is one thing that is bothering me. When I am done w/ school, apply for an icu nurse job, I am looking into applying as a traveling ICU nurse as to not at a regular hospital. Reason being is that if I were to apply at a regular hospital for an icu nurse job and tell the employer that my long-termgoals are to become a CRNA, the employer would think "OK", here's another applicant wanting to work in ICU for a year or so, then quit, and apply for CRNA school. Leaving me (the employer) in the dirt looking for more willing soon-to-be nurses to work in ICU. My deal is that I want to avoid this. So, the question is that what should I do? Work as a traveling icu nurse for a year or more OR work at one hospital for a year or more? I am trying to consider which path before even considering to apply for CRNA school. What is your take on this?

You cannot be a travel nurse without at least one year of experience. So, that means you must start out as a staff nurse. Also, ICU's are tough for the new grad to get into these days, so you may even have to start off in something else and then transfer to an ICU after a year or two.

As for telling your employer about CRNA school ambitions, you don't have to. Just start working, get experience, and you may even change your mind as to your future plans.

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Hey aflac, in response to your question, I'm quite sure you need at least 1 year of regular ICU experience (prefarably 2) in a hospital ICU before a travel agency will even hire you for the unit. Travel nursing means you are already skilled and on your own and you serve as supplemental staff (minimal training given, they only orient you to the unit/show you where supplies are for the first day or two if you're lucky).

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