Career path in Connecticut

[Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

I am currently working as an ICU RN in Phoenix AZ, but will be moving to Connecticut by the summer. I have a vague plan for the future but I'm not sure how to put it into practice as I am not an American and am not familiar with your education system. Can you help me out? I'll tell you my plan and maybe you can tell me how feasible it is.

I plan on applying for a cardiac ICU postion first. I have nearly 3 years ICU experience and 1 year CCU experience and have been in the US since December. Once I have spent some time in Cardiac ICU, I would like eventually to do my degree and/or become a CRNA (nurse anesthetist). Do I have to do my BSN first and then do another course to become a CRNA, or is there a course that allows me to become a CRNA while getting my degree? What about funding? I am a green card holder (permanent resident)....is there a mechanism that allows me some funding, like a scholarship, or is this just going to be too expensive to achieve? Can anyone recommend a good Cardiac ICU in CT that I can apply to in the meantime?

[RN~in~CT]

An early welcome to Connecticut!! I do not know the answers regarding scholarships/funding for CRNA school, nor do I know if you must first obtain your BSN...hopefully someone else can help there.

As for Cardiac ICU's, you would probably want to be in the larger medical centers in the state:

Hartford: Hartford Hospital

St. Francis Hospital

New Haven: Yale

[Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

Thank you for your reply and your welcome! That's good, because I had alrady considered Hartford and St Francis, so now I know I am on the right track. :)

[fulwood]

Hey Rocknurse - you may want to look at CRNA discussion forum and get answers there but from reading this board for 2-3 years I do believe (100%) that you need BSN to become CRNA and CRNA school is competitive. It would have been ice to meet you as I live in Mesa Arizona and am originally from Preston - a Lanchashire lass. Be nice to have met a fellow Brit. Good luck...