is CICU not enough for CRNA application?

[nursetobeat33]

Hi, I'm a new grad and got a job offer at CICU. I wanted to apply for CVICU (notorious for experience for CRNA school) but they said they are not opening positions in CVICU this fall and next Spring (I have no idea why). I luckily was able to do a job interview and asked what type of patients they handle and they told me that they handle swan-ganz, CRRT, art line, some drips. some vented patients and very rarely chest tube patients. I wanted to know if handling these types of machine will be "enough" or considered high acuity when I apply for CRNA application in the future. Should I work at least a year and transfer to CVICU or SICU to be more competitive?

They told me that CICU is for patients that are waiting for heart transplant or patients who already received a heart but are now rejecting it and CVICU handles post-op heart-transplant patients.

Please help! thanks!

[CRNA School Prep Academy]

nursetobeat33 said:

Hi, I'm a new grad and got a job offer at CICU. I wanted to apply for CVICU (notorious for experience for CRNA school) but they said they are not opening positions in CVICU this fall and next Spring (I have no idea why). I luckily was able to do a job interview and asked what type of patients they handle and they told me that they handle swan-ganz, CRRT, art line, some drips. some vented patients and very rarely chest tube patients. I wanted to know if handling these types of machine will be "enough" or considered high acuity when I apply for CRNA application in the future. Should I work at least a year and transfer to CVICU or SICU to be more competitive?

They told me that CICU is for patients that are waiting for heart transplant or patients who already received a heart but are now rejecting it and CVICU handles post-op heart-transplant patients.

Please help! thanks!

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Hi there!! 

First- congratulations on your graduation!! That is a great accomplishment and we're sending you a big high-five! 

In regards to your question-- Yes, CVICU is notorious for CRNA applicants, but you don't HAVE to work there in order to be competitive! As long as you choose an ICU that your program accepts (ie some will accept NICU, some won't-- the best way to confirm this is to contact them directly) then you can be sure you're getting the right experience. 

As a general rule: Acuity is what you're after. If you're not regularly seeing ventilators, vasoactive drips, your patients get transferred out then it's not the best ICU for CRNA. 

Also, *just as important* (but MANY people don't think about nor consider!) is this: In addition to high acuity, you want to look for units that will give you the opportunity for leadership or committee experience. 

CRNA Programs want to see leadership roles outside of just experience so it's important to think about that aspect too. 

For more on choosing the right ICU, check out this video: 

There's a ton more on our YouTube channel, too ?

Congratulations again!! 

Rooting for you!