Fork in the Road: Cath Lab/CVICU/CRNA

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Specializes in CVOR, CVICU/CTICU, CCRN-CMC-CSC.

So, I wasn't sure how to categorize this question; I'm sure the mods will move it if need be.

For the cath lab RN's out there: Very soon after being hired onto my CVICU, the cath lab within my hospital expressed an interest in me and has been encouraging me to submit an application. For reasons regarding patient safety and my own competency, I told them I would want at least a year of experience in the ICU before signing on. Question 1: Is a year of cardiac ICU experience enough preparation for the cath lab, or should I wait longer?

Now for the CRNA's out there: While I will have the required year of experience in ICU care by the time I go to the cath lab for a CRNA program, I plan to float to the ICU on a PRN basis while working as a cath lab RN to keep up my ICU skills/critical thinking. I've already been assured by the admission counselor at my first-choice school that the experience requirement will be satisfactorily met, but I'm curious if you guys think 1 year of full-time ICU work + PRN ICU will be sufficient. Thus, question 2: Should I pass on the Cath Lab position and stay full-time in the ICU?

Thanks for the advice!

ETA: I'll be finishing up my BSN around the time I transfer to the cath lab - all other CRNA program prereqs have already been met.

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