CRNAs Help!!!

Moved to the Pre-CRNA Inquiry Forum forum

I would take the SICU position. First of all, SICU is usually considered the best kind of ICU experience for many CRNA programs. Also, an SICU at a large teaching hospital is one of the best kinds of experience. I know this because I worked in an SICU at a university hospital for about a year and a half before applying to CRNA school and was offered a spot at the end of my interview at the only program I applied to. SICU is so great because (if the SICU you are considering is anything like mine) you get to take care of lots of cardiac surgery patients who are on multiple vasoactive drips, plus you get to take care of super sick general surgery patients and trauma patients. As my manager told me when I interview years back, it's like the Disneyworld of ICU's! Anyway that's just my two cents! Good luck with your decision.

I would take the SICU position because you'll be introduced to a diverse body of surgical patients whom you'll later be working with. MICU has its own merits but their patient body is different and drugs, pathophys, and prioritization will be different. Its hard to put this into words unless you have worked at both without typing out lengthy comparitive scenarios.

Also, have you checked out the difference in salary/cost of living ratios for each area. That might just sway you to texas. And if all that you can save within a year in florida is 8,000 it might not be that important. I little over-time and you could make the extra cash. Also, a "year" is never really a "year". The time it takes to apply, get interviewed, perfect your resume will tack on some months if not an extra year to that. You don't want to apply with minimum credentials. Do yourself a personal favor and study for your CCRN and really learn the major pathophys concepts. I can not tell you how much it helps in CRNA school (literally), but if it makes you a better, wiser, ICU nurse than it must count for something.

Good luck

PS: really look at the cost break down in the two areas and make sure to factor in the incidentals like heat, water, gas, car gasoline, cable bill, food, etc.

Gotcha...i appreciate the info... I should clarify a little better... Its actually a 24 bed general ICU at the smaller hospital... From what i understand they will get a variety of medical and surgical patients... They are not a trauma center and they dont do nuero either.... But they are opening up a cvicu in 1 month where they are going to perform open hearts... Im not sure how that would effect me being in just refular icu but i thought id mention it.... Judging by the comments it sounds like the big sicu in texas is the better choice for experience... I guess what matters most is what a crna school commitee would prefer to see on an applicants resume. Im just trying to get all the info i can before i decide on making a big move... The comments really help... Please keep them coming!!

You will hear the opinion that the "Trauma ICU is best" or "CV ICU is best" and so on. The fact is the admission committee's will tell you it doesn't matter. What matters is the acuity of the unit you work in, your experience, and skills obtained. For instance, you'll have better odds of getting accepted if you work in a unit where you care for patients with Swans, central lines, vents, potent gtts, etc than if you work in a lower acuity setting. The more certifications the better, and even though most schools will accept someone with only 1 year experience most anesthesia clinical coordinators at the hospitals will tell you that they prefer students who have more ICU experience prior to anesthesia school. At least that's the feedback I've obtained in my program. Good luck!