Are there any LVN/PN's working in the ICU?

[Hoping LVN2BSN]

I'm an LVN student in California, scheduled to graduate 2/07. Just wondering is the ICU a place a recent LVN grad can work? I want to go on to become a CRNA after I complete BSN. Just wondering if a year or so spent in ICU as an LVN sufficient experience for acceptance since I plan on going straight from BSN into a Master's program(fingers crossed) and won't have ICU-RN experience.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

One of my co-workers, an LVN of 15 years, worked in the ICU in an Oklahoma hospital many years ago. However, the Oklahoma LPN scope of practice is much wider and allows the nurse to do many more things than the California LVN scope of practice. States with wide LPN/LVN scopes of practice have more opportunities; therefore, LPNs/LVNs in these states can do more with their licenses. I should know, as I'm dually licensed in California and Texas.

For example, Oklahoma LPNs are allowed to pronounce death. California LVNs cannot pronounce. Being able to legally pronounce death is important if you plan to work in critical areas such as the ICU, ER, and telemetry. In the year 2006 you're going to find very few LVNs/LPNs employed in the ICU. Most LVN/LPN opportunities will be found in LTC, day surgeries, outpatient clinics, hospice, assisted living, psychiatric care, home health, and doctors' offices. You'll need to earn your RN license if your heart is set on working in the ICU.