Am I On The Right Path?

[VictoriaxB]

Hi everyone!

I'm starting my prereqs in the fall to try to get into my community college's nursing program. My end goal for nursing is to become a CRNA, so I planned to do an RN/BSN program afterwards. When I contacted the school I was interested in transferring to, she told me I wouldn't be able to pick a specialty, as the program was just a broad range of the subject. To get into CRNA school, I have to work 1-2years minimum in an ICU, but will I be able to get into an ICU without the specialization? I don't know if I should just do my CC's nursing program and then transfer (while working with an ADN) or if I should just stick to an Associate of Science and then transfer into a nursing program that'll allow me to pick a critical care specialization. I pray this isn't confusing! Thanks in advance!

-Victoria

[Simplistic]

There are no nursing schools that have a "critical care specialty". When youre in nursing school, you go through different rotations (pediatrics, OB, med/surg.. and so on). Once you graduate from nursing school, you get to chose what you would like to specialize in.

[verene, MSN]

Everyone graduating with an RN is graduating as a generalist. You are not able to specialize at the ADN or BSN level. What you can do is get good grades and seek out opportunities to work or learn on an ICU or CCU while in school - sometimes there are internships or practicum placements on these units. Use the time to network with instructors and hospital staff and let them know your interest in critical care nursing, and take such advice as they are able to offer you about working in this specialty. Once you graduate you can try to get a new grad residency in an ICU or other critical care setting. This is when the real learning and specialization begins. CRNA programs require at least 2 years full-time experience in a critical care setting.

[VictoriaxB]

Thanks! I guess I was a little confused based on some of the YouTube videos I watched. Some of the people in nursing school was talking about specializations, so I thought it was something you chose in nursing school.

[OsceanSN2018]

Thanks! I guess I was a little confused based on some of the YouTube videos I watched. Some of the people in nursing school was talking about specializations, so I thought it was something you chose in nursing school.

Those people on YouTube must be choosing specialties before they even graduate because they already had their mind set on it beforehand, and its probably what they want to do once they become an RN. But until they become an official RN it means nothing as everything you learn will be general knowledge in nursing school.

[xxstarrynitesxx]

Hey Victoria!

Like others have mentioned, nursing school allows you clinical experience in different areas during rotations though I am unsure if every school has the same rotations (some may have more or less OR just different ones in general). Many of the YouTubers that I have seen had an idea of what they wanted to do as far as an end goal as they have already had exposure to the hospital setting as a CNA, LVN, etc. For any NP programs, I believe experience in the ICU/ED is required which is why they were talking about specific areas. I believe some others also found themselves applying for positions in different units because that is what they were interested in.

I am also pursing my ADN. I am undecided if I want to get my BSN at the same time (some programs have this option) or if I want to work a year or two before getting my BSN. I believe some employers may actually pay for you to get your BSN. Do what will work best for you and will help you get to where you ultimately want to go. Best wishes!