Any CRNAs that did NOT like working in the ICU but happy now? Importance of ICU exp?

kiche123 · May 21, 2012

Hey all,
I've been a nurse now for only about seven months, and I was luckily hired into a CVICU. I'm really inquisitive, and I love to learn. However, there are many days that I just dread work or just don't have the motivation to work at all ? Don't get me wrong, there are just as many days I enjoy what I'm doing. I just always have the question in the back of my mind "Did I choose the right job?" Is this normal to ask yourself this (I'm only 24 y/o btw)?
There is a part of me that feels like I'm using my time in the ICU as a stepping stone to CRNA school. That doesn't mean I'm not taking my job seriously. I know it's better to not look at my icu expereince in that manner, but I cannot help it because I'm ready to go back to school already?.
1 ) Is it normal to have these thoughts? I just don't know if this is what i want to continue to do in life, but being a CRNA is or can be totally different I'd assume?
2 ) Also, how important is your experience in the icu before you go to CRNA school? Is it more for the knowledge or for technical skills or what?
PS: I don't know if I have these doubts or negative thoughts about being an icu nurse because I don't get along with my coworkers as well as I'd like (I feel like they are condescending and I get "picked" on due to my lack of inexperience as a nurse). It could be my depression/anxiety issues. Maybe a combination of these things?
Thanks in advance.

First I want to say that I am not a nurse. I haven't started my nursing education yet but will this fall. I am 38yo and have the same goals. I too want to be a CRNA, eventually. Hopefully sooner than later. :)

What I can tell you about being 24 yrs old and a licensed professional, is that many times over in your life and careers you will be questioning if what you are doing is what you actually want to do. I think when you are young it's ok to question it and this is the time to do as many different things that you want to do. It becomes much harder when you are older and possibly are married or a mother, hence the reason I'm 38 and starting my nursing degree journey. You will know when you're on the right path when you aren't questioning yourself as much, or at least you'll know that what you are doing is making you happy at that moment. Hope this has helped in some small way. Good luck in all you do. :)

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 21, 2012

I am not a CRNA but I do know that your ICU experience is meant to familiarize you with the drugs, treatment, and monitoring of critical patients so that when you enter school you have a sound critical background and can focus on the learning of this very difficult and specialized advanced degree........not to be viewed, treated and considered a "stepping stone".

As far as your so-workers are concerned....are they reflecting your satisfaction/stepping stone attitude that you may or may not know you're giving off? That you are only biding your time....and bored at that...until you can move on to something better? Even unconscious body language speak loudly when someone is not genuine and vested in their task at hand......is this what they are responding to?

You have been a nurse a very short period of time and even though you believe you are well prepared to move on....you have a lot to learn. Embrace your path. Find the things you need to learn and take pride in learning them. You may find your peers will respond differently towards you.

I wish you the best of luck.

Vindex · May 21, 2012

Thanks for your responses so far to both of you.@Esme: Like I said in my original message, Im totally aware that the "stepping stone" viewpoint isnt the best. I can reassure you though that I love learning and I do believe pharmacology is a strongpoint of mine.Going back to how my co workers act toward me: You might be partially correct with how they perceive my motivation or etc. Thats just my normal personality though. I come off as a boring person to most people. Im overall very quiet and just stoic most of the time.The way they act toward me is more what Id refer to be as unprofessional. Most of the people......actually i think the only people Im referring to are the other male nurses. They just seem to have the need to belittle me to make themselves feel better or to be the " alpha male". Coming out of nursing school, I visioned everybody would be very helpful, supportive, and a team player. I do have that in my unit, but just not with everyone. Thanks

Candyn · May 21, 2012

I am a new grad RN, I assumed you are too since you have only been a nurse for 6 months (less than 6 months equal new grad). I worked as a nurse extern and CNA in PACU and got the chance to work closely with CRNA. So Here are my answers to your questions:

1) First of all, I think you need to figure out why you dread to go to work? Is it because of the job (the skills/knowledge/quick and critical thinking that required in an ICU) or is it because of the working environment? Have you ever shadow a CRNA? If not, I suggest you to do it. If you do not like ICU because of the stress and adrenaline that came alone with ICU, then being a CRNA is even worse.

2) ICU experience prepares you for both knowledge and skills. The CRNAs that I work with, they can do all the skills quickly and they know exactly what to do when a pressure drops...That is why all schools requires ICU experience.

FIX ME IF I AM WRONG ANYONE.

Vindex · May 21, 2012

hey candynThanks for your response. I am a new grad btw. The dread is definitely not the work or knowledge base behind it. Dont get me wrong, there are many times I dont know what to do or need help and I ask. The problem is I have to be choosy with who I ask cause some coworkers look at that as a weakness or make negative comments about it.So i think its more the environment. I work nightshift and its very understaffed. There are many nights nurses have to triple (have 3 patients) and I think its discouraging going to work and wondering how bad is it going to be tonight.

Candyn · May 21, 2012

Woah CVICU with 3 patients??? That is crazy. I spend clinicals on a CVICU before and only have 1. These patients are open heart patients 1-2 days after surgery. Anyway, if the reason of you not liking your work right now because of your working environment, then it really has nothing to do with CRNA:) Try to shadow with CRNA to see what they do. I shadowed with 3-4 of them and I love it. If you are good with the knowledge/skills and you think you can handle the adrenaline, then CRNA...there you go:)

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 22, 2012

Thanks for your responses so far to both of you.@Esme: Like I said in my original message, I'm totally aware that the "stepping stone" viewpoint isn't the best. I can reassure you though that I love learning and I do believe pharmacology is a strong point of mine.Going back to how my co workers act toward me: You might be partially correct with how they perceive my motivation or etc. That's just my normal personality though. I come off as a boring person to most people. In overall very quiet and just stoic most of the time.The way they act toward me is more what Id refer to be as unprofessional. Most of the people......actually i think the only people I'm referring to are the other male nurses. They just seem to have the need to belittle me to make themselves feel better or to be the " alpha male". Coming out of nursing school, I visioned everybody would be very helpful, supportive, and a team player. I do have that in my unit, but just not with everyone. Thanks

:hug:.....I'm sorry you are having a hard time. The first year out of nursing school id the hardest. Be sure that you aren't coming off as bored by them.....or above them because you will be moving on. That is one sure fire way to be treated poorly by your peers. They may be perceiving you stoic quietness as arrogance....which will not endear you to them.

ICU nurses can be a tough group. They are normally very alpha. But when you go through those surgical doors........You will find that surgeons are worse. They are male AND the MD. They job market is brutal these days and it is a dog eat dog world out there. However I have found that those will "lift their leg" To be the alpha the most are the ones that are intimidated and insecure and feel the need to put others in their "place". There is "hazing" or bullying that goes on......in nursing they call it "lateral violence"........and it hurts just as much. I have never allowed it in any of the units that I have managed. Can you change shifts yet?

Have you shadowed a CRNA? That is a pretty good suggestion from Candyn. 3 patients while not ideal can be done if they are the ready to transfer within 24hrs or so. Be sure that this is the standard and you aren't getting stiffed. You can try talking to your boss and educator to be sure you aren't getting stiffed constantly on the amount of patients you have.

Just remember that in 100 years none of this will matter......eventually they will stop. You may need to be slightly alpha yourself to get them back off. When I first went to cath lab many years a go n(as a seasoned ICU/CTPACUnurse)........I was harassed mercilessly a fellow nurse. Who just happened to be male. He was horrible to me by switching transducers, emptying IV fluids, switching out dye that I had prepared. :cool: Making it appear that I wasn't capable and inept at my job.

Finally, one day, I had had enough. :madface: So, I called him out........in front of everyone and indicated that if a certain protruding member fromhis body wasn't so small, he could curtail the urge to pee on everything. :smokin:

Amazingly...(not really) he stopped. :lol2:

Chin up......:hug:.It does get better. GoodLuck!!