Help?...please!!!

Originally posted by CRNA_maybe?:

I have a BS in Biology and am planning to take a completion course for my BSN. This is the best site I've found for "real" advice, but it's raising more questions. First, once I receive my BSN can I go directly to SICU or CV-ICU or will I have to do intermediate work (I'm in MI if it matters). Second, my GRE scores were Verbal: 500 Quantitative: 570 Analytical: 800 Do you think this is high enough or should I retake at a later date? Thanks for the help!!!

Your GRE scores are fine, they may be a little low if the scool just looks at the verbal and math portions (some do). You can and should go directly into an ICU. especially these days with a nursing shortage in progress. If the ICU is a high acuity one there will be a steep learnig curve but people go from school to ICU all the time. Don't pay attention to the "you need a year of floor nursing first" lecture. You need to develop very different skills than a med/surg floor nurse does. (NOT BETTER SKILLS, JUST DIFFERENT)Look for a hospital with a good training program. The TICU where I work trains floor or experienced ICU nurses for 12 weeks and new grads up to 26 weeks. Good luck.