any CRNAs as mid-level providers in the ICU?

subee, MSN, CRNA · Apr 6, 2007

coming from an academic institution, PA's and NP's are an integral part of our CCM team. are there any CRNA's here that work in the ICU's in such a capacity in addition to working in the OR?
i am about to graduate with my BSN and am looking forward to a career in anesthesia, however i am also interested in the role of the mid-level provider in the ICU setting. is there any way i could do both?

In 25 years, I've never heard of a CRNA working as mid-level practitioner in ICU. That is the bailiwick of the MSN in acute care nursing.

loafin' · Apr 7, 2007

coming from an academic institution, PA's and NP's are an integral part of our CCM team. are there any CRNA's here that work in the ICU's in such a capacity in addition to working in the OR?
i am about to graduate with my BSN and am looking forward to a career in anesthesia, however i am also interested in the role of the mid-level provider in the ICU setting. is there any way i could do both?

Vanderbilt University has an acute care NP program that after graduation you have an option for early interview to anesthesia school at Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia. You will be able to practice as both. Vandy is the only one that I've checked out, I'm sure there other schools with similiar options.

blee1 · Apr 7, 2007

Vanderbilt University has an acute care NP program that after graduation you have an option for early interview to anesthesia school at Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia. You will be able to practice as both. Vandy is the only one that I've checked out I'm sure there other schools with similiar options.[/quote']
thanks for the tip, ill check it out =)
any others?

Vich · Apr 12, 2007

Some job descriptions i have seen say stuff like ICU?: Sometimes.

So it must be somewhere...

suzanne4, RN · Apr 14, 2007

Covering stat intubations in the ICU. Only thing that I have seen done by a CRNA during my career.

Ordering medications? No.

Doing procedures, other than intubation? No.

nurseabc123 · Apr 18, 2007

Covering stat intubations in the ICU. Only thing that I have seen done by a CRNA during my career.
Ordering medications? No.
Doing procedures, other than intubation? No.

What about line insertion?

piper_for_hire · Apr 18, 2007

In my hospital, CRNAs only do line insertion in holding and the OR. My hospital is a teaching hospital - so there are always crit care, anesthesia and surgical residents eager to put in a line. I suppose in a non-teaching hospital this could be possible since CRNAs do put in lines but I've not heard of this as a regular thing. As another poster said, you usually only see them for stat intubations or codes.

-S

suzanne4, RN · Apr 23, 2007

Have never seen a CRNA place lines in the ICU. Physicians are usually the ones to do it. Most hospitals that are non-teaching have house doctors that will place one if needed, and it is off hours.

meandragonbrett · Apr 24, 2007

Most hospitals that are non-teaching have house doctors that will place one if needed, and it is off hours.

Only if you're lucky enough to have an intensivist that will actually do it. Ours throw the excuse "I'm not here for IV access"

jer_sd · Apr 24, 2007

Also one consideration is how is the scope of practice written? If the CRNA can only provide care related to surgery than they probably should not go to the ICU and intubate or place lines let alone manage medications unless it is within a narrow window to surgery that teh CRNA is involved with.

Jeremy

blee1 · Apr 25, 2007

Also one consideration is how is the scope of practice written? If the CRNA can only provide care related to surgery than they probably should not go to the ICU and intubate or place lines let alone manage medications unless it is within a narrow window to surgery that teh CRNA is involved with.
Jeremy

are you saying that CRNAs should not intubate on the floors and not start lines??