Best ICU experience for CRNA school

[Reaz, BSN]

Hi there!
I am applying to ICU positions right now as I have some nursing experience under my belt. My goal is to become a CRNA. I do not have the best grades; undergrad GPA 3.2 (BSc in health science) and then my BSN GPA is 3.6. I also took biochem and med terminology and got As so that slightly helps, and I plan on taking a few more grad level classes to boost my grades. 

I want my ICU experience to stand out since my grades don't. I always see/hear CVICU is the best, but is that just a myth or is it actually true? I would think SICU would be the best but not sure. 

Are there any specialties that you would not suggest? I hear MICU is not the best and then I also heard that Neuro ICU isn't great either? IDK Im just looking for some answers from people who have gotten accepted and/or maybe even denied. 

I live in Chicago so lots of great academic level 1 trauma hospitals. I really would love to work at one of these as I'm sure all of the CRNA schools here are extremely competitive. 

Thanks for your help in advance!

- also, I know there are lots of threads on this, but a lot of them are not recent and I know things change over the years

 

 

[BigPappaCRNA]

Big and busy, is most important.  In a perfect world, Surgical/Trauma ICU with the best, but one has to take what they can get.  CVICU is absolutely, positively NOT the best.  It is generally one system.  A busy surgical trauma, or mixed Medical/Surgical ICU with high acuity and variety is far and away "The Best".  With your grades, I would urge you to get 3-4 years of good, solid experience, and you will find acceptances a lot easier to come by.  Good luck.