Hi everyone! Though I have used "all-nurses" as a career adviser for several years now, this is actually my first post; I am looking for some real advice from individuals who may have once been in my situation. Any legitimate advice wound be greatly appreciated.
My primary question is centered round whether or not I should seek admission during the upcoming CRNA school application cycle (2016).
I am a 23 y/o male who graduated with my BSN from 4 year university in May of 2015. I finished my degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.62 and was involved in a number of extracurricular activities (nursing and non-nursing), as well as a spent a semester abroad at King's College London with supplemental studies at Oxford University; both of which are globally ranked as top 20 research facilities (probably irrelevant on CRNA app).
I currently have 9mo of ICU experience in a Level 3 trauma, 36 bed, mixed high acuity medical/surgical/cardiovascular/neuro critical care unit in rural Indiana. Nearly 70% of my patients are on mechanical ventilation, and nearly all are on vasoactive gtts at some point in their ICU stay. I am proficient in management of nearly any patient my unit houses, except for one day post CABG patients. Additionally, I am proficient in management of both the CRRT, Rotoprone, gtt titration, rhythm analysis, etc (general ICU skills that all other applicant will also possess). I am comfortable with intubation, extubation, and all associated ventilator management and weaning. I will reach one year of ICU experience on August 28, 2016. I do feel that I am just now starting to develop the necessary critical thinking that is required to safely take care of a critically ill patient. My credentials are limited, as I currently possess BLS & ACLS only. I am currently working on CCRN, though I am not sure if I will have it, nor the the GRE, completed by time of application (I am aware that this limits my choices of schools).
I would also like to note that I was just offered a CV-ICU position at the states largest level one trauma facility; Indiana University's Methodist Hospital located in Indianapolis, Indiana. My question is whether or not I should push through another 6mo-1yr on the floor to gain additional experience/credentials by taking this new offer/position, or should I continue working at my current rural hospital position and apply this cycle.
If you would like any additional information to provide me with a better answer please let me know and I will happily provide. I am very informed on the CRNA application process, requirements, and competitiveness, but am simply looking for mentor like advice from those who have once been in this situation.
