Do I have the right experience?

[nicurn2]

I am entertaining seriously the possibility of going to CRNA school, but my research so far leads me to believe that admission to the program is becoming more and more competitive! I have 11 years of experience, the first five in a variety of areas, med-surg, ICU, ER, etc... and my last 7 years have been in Neonatal intensive care. I know nurses that have been accepted with just NICU experience, but I've been told that it is going to become harder and harder to gain acceptance with NICU experience- I value any advice or thoughts that you can offer to me, the whole admission process is a little overwhealming to me at this point! Thanks!

[CRNA, DNSc]

You need to address the need for experience with swan ganz and other advanced monitoring modalities and vasopressors not used in NICU. You will also find that some programs do not consider or accept NICU Experience as meeting their requirements. If this is really what you want to do get yourself into an adult ICU setting for the experience. Good Luck!!! :)

[skipaway]

Yes, you have good experience and would probably be an attractive candidate for any anesthesia program. That being said, some of the interviewees I've had contact with, who've had NICU experience, do a year of adult ICU prior to school. Most have already made the switch during the application process, so, during their interview, they can say they do have adult experience. I encourage you to try.

regards

skipaway

[Tia]

Yes, you have good experience and would probably be an attractive candidate for any anesthesia program. That being said, some of the interviewees I've had contact with, who've had NICU experience, do a year of adult ICU prior to school. Most have already made the switch during the application process, so, during their interview, they can say they do have adult experience. I encourage you to try.

You have a great background of experience which they will take in to account but they will want to see at least 6 months to a year of recent adult ICU experience. Good luck. I know it seems like a lot to sacrifice but if you really want to be a CRNA you will take the right steps to get there.

Tia