Getting in an ICU

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Specializes in PostOp/Trauma, OR,ICU...Pre-SRNA.

hi all..............i had the hardest time getting into an icu of my choice.

i was looking into getting into a cvicu, sicu or micu because the various posts on this forum suggested those icus would offer me the most exposures to drips and other invasive monitoring. most of my interviews went great but yet no job offers. i finally got an answer from 2 recruiters as to the reasons. i was told that because of my experience and current role, they don't think i would be in the unit for a long time. (i worked postop/trauma for about 6 years and then transferred to the or. i moved up pretty quickly in the or and have been working as an or educator for the last 4 year - i love that role and am very good at it but i need something more challenging and rewarding; i have been a nurse for about 11 years).

i was told that icus are very hesitant to hire anyone who has plans to go to crna school in the near future. i didn't tell them my plans but i guess they assumed that i was planning to do that (can you believe this?). needless to say, it seems as if it is a taboo to mention the word crna to anyone in the icu. that is so unfortunate because even though the person may not be there for a long time, in my case they would be getting a nurse who gives her all 100% of the time, so even if it is for a short time, it is still quality time.

here is my dilemma. i have gotten accepted into a combined icu where there is no open heart. a lot of the patients are on vents so that is good. there are drips but not a lot of invasive monitoring. i figured once i get competent to function as a member of the icu team that i would ask for the sickest patients. i also plan on learning as much as i can from the rrts and the other rns. any other suggestions as to what i can do to get the experience i need? a crna friend of mine who got into a nicu and did the minimum of 1 year, then applied and got into a crna program, told me that i shouldn't worry so much about the experience because she learned everything she needed to know in crna school. she had to study harder but that it can be done as she is living proof. she graduated last year and is one of the better crna in the or that i am currently working in.

can anyone suggest any online classes that i can take with regards to hemodynamic monitoring and icu nursing? the hospital i am at does not offer courses, just on the job training. i don't want to just do my time in icu to move on, i want to learn and be a good icu nurse which i think will help me tremendously in crna school.

thanks for your input. this forum has been great!!!

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Specializes in MICU & SICU.

I have worked at two different places that highly scruntized their applicants for the possibilty of going on the CRNA school. Looking at it in their perspective they are trying to curtail turnover. I have always been told that you never want to flat out tell a manager your plans for higher education, so I have always stood in the middle ground and said that I was undecided. You may have to try another hospital if you have been their for awhile they may already be aware of your desire to leave them once you get a year in the ICU. Good Luck.

A good resource for hemodynamic monitoring is the Handbook hemodynamic monitoring by Darovic.

You always can look at the AACN website for education resources regarding critical care. I think another good general overview of ICU nursing is any of the CCRN study guides. I like "Pass CCRN" by Dennnison.

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This is interesting. I "blabbed" my aspirations of CRNA to the wrong people, apparently. Oh well. I will end up in the right place eventually! CaslaRN, not to jump the gun, but you "sound" like a very very strong candidate for CRNA school! I have confidence you will get in soon! Wish me luck, I have a long road ahead of me!

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Specializes in PostOp/Trauma, OR,ICU...Pre-SRNA.

All the best to you too Brad, keep us posted!.

Keep the faith. I have no doubt I will be a CRNA day one through the grace of GOD. It may not happen as soon as I wish but it will happen because I do believe in my ablity.

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hi all..............i had the hardest time getting into an icu of my choice.

i was looking into getting into a cvicu, sicu or micu because the various posts on this forum suggested those icus would offer me the most exposures to drips and other invasive monitoring. most of my interviews went great but yet no job offers. i finally got an answer from 2 recruiters as to the reasons. i was told that because of my experience and current role, they don't think i would be in the unit for a long time. (i worked postop/trauma for about 6 years and then transferred to the or. i moved up pretty quickly in the or and have been working as an or educator for the last 4 year - i love that role and am very good at it but i need something more challenging and rewarding; i have been a nurse for about 11 years).

i was told that icus are very hesitant to hire anyone who has plans to go to crna school in the near future. i didn't tell them my plans but i guess they assumed that i was planning to do that (can you believe this?). needless to say, it seems as if it is a taboo to mention the word crna to anyone in the icu. that is so unfortunate because even though the person may not be there for a long time, in my case they would be getting a nurse who gives her all 100% of the time, so even if it is for a short time, it is still quality time.

here is my dilemma. i have gotten accepted into a combined icu where there is no open heart. a lot of the patients are on vents so that is good. there are drips but not a lot of invasive monitoring. i figured once i get competent to function as a member of the icu team that i would ask for the sickest patients. i also plan on learning as much as i can from the rrts and the other rns. any other suggestions as to what i can do to get the experience i need? a crna friend of mine who got into a nicu and did the minimum of 1 year, then applied and got into a crna program, told me that i shouldn't worry so much about the experience because she learned everything she needed to know in crna school. she had to study harder but that it can be done as she is living proof. she graduated last year and is one of the better crna in the or that i am currently working in.

can anyone suggest any online classes that i can take with regards to hemodynamic monitoring and icu nursing? the hospital i am at does not offer courses, just on the job training. i don't want to just do my time in icu to move on, i want to learn and be a good icu nurse which i think will help me tremendously in crna school.

thanks for your input. this forum has been great!!!

could i ask you what you think your friend did or had that greenlighted her matriculation into the crna school after only one year in icu?

thank you!

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