CRNA-contract/travel nurse ICU experience

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Hi, 

I have 2-3 years of ICU nursing experience. I was considering taking a CVICU position before applying to CRNA school next year. I have neuro, medical, and surgical ICU experience. I would have to switch hospitals because my hospital does not have any CVICU positions available.  Should I switch to a new hospital or take a contract position to work in a MI/SI ICU? The contract position pays significantly more. I am struggling with daily bills with what my hospital pays. It is far lower than any other hospital in the area. 

Do CRNA schools look down on travel ICU nursing/contract positions?

Thank you.

 

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Specializes in Med- Surg ICU, CCU, PACU.

Looks like you have great experience already. But if you are taking on a new position due to necessity then you got to do what's best for you. As far as CRNA programs, each is different and they look at the whole applicant. So there are other ways you could strengthen you application. 

I had travel nurses in my CRNA program. I think the programs frown upon you moving from assignment to assignment and not staying in one unit long. That's a similar problem PACU ICU overflow nurses have except it is the patient that doesn't stay long enough for the CRNA programs to count it as ICU experience. So maybe if you take on a long assignment then you'll probably be fine. 

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Super sorry I did not respond to this sooner. Thank you for your input! I love working PRN contract. 

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