Hopeful SRNA needing advice!!

[RNcowgirl]

I am desperate for advice, everyone I've talked to has different opinions and I don't want to waste two or more years pursuing something that won't count towards CRNA school. Any and all advice appreciated!!

I'm currently studying for CCRN and GRE to take them this fall and planning on applying to three DNP CRNA programs next year. Currently in a prep course for CCRN.

I have 2 years Trauma/SICU at a level II hospital, 1 year SICU/MICU as a Travel nurse, 2 years PACU as a travel nurse where I managed drips and incubated patients on ventilators occasionally. Currently working as a circulator RN in the OR for occasionally emergent cases, less than 1 year experience.

BSN, ACLS, PALS, TNCC

3.74 ADN and 4.0 BSN
Course work from 7-8 years ago: A in A&P II, B+ in A&P I, A in Stats, A in Microbiology, A in Chemistry, A in Algebra. I'm anticipating the need to retake some or all as pre-reqs for CRNA programs but haven't enrolled yet.

Charge Nurse in my PACU travel nurse time as well as precepted, working on my clinical ladder and leadership involvement at my current job. Have logged 26 hours shadowing two CRNAs in the OR I work at off the clock and plan on accruing more hours with them. Have saved over six figures for school, married but no kids or pets. My husband is currently in his last year of his Acute Care NP with USF.

My main question for you all is whether I need to go back to an ICU to get more recent experience before I apply for a CRNA program?? I'm comfortable titrating drips and administering emergency medications, performing moderate sedation, managing vents, lines, etc. Please let me know what you think! I appreciate any feedback!

[CamillusRN, BSN]

I returned to the ICU for more recent experience after working at a level one trauma center with an anesthesiology group as an anesthesia tech RN for a year, CVOR RN/OR charge/PreOp manager for 7 years, and CVICU RN for 2 years. Definitely feeling the burnout having returned to the ICU, but I'm totally invested in optimizing "first pass success.” Sucks like nobody's business going back to the bedside after working so closely with anesthesiologists and CRNAs. Having placed arterial lines, assisted with difficult airways, and prepared drips and rescue agents for open hearts all while picking up pearls and tips for practicing anesthesia safely from working professionals, it seemed counterproductive to work in the ICU again. But it's a box my preferred school needs checked, so I'm ticking it off the list. Major pay cut and lots of feeling like a step backwards but it's all about the big picture and investing in my future.

Sorry that was more of a vent than advice, but the takeaway is if you have a sense that you're potentially shortchanging your future, seriously consider optimizing your chances by returning to the ICU. Sucks like a mother, but it's temporary. A long and painful temporary, but temporary nonetheless.

[antsrt4, BSN]

CamillusRN said:

I returned to the ICU for more recent experience after working at a level one trauma center with an anesthesiology group as an anesthesia tech RN for a year, CVOR RN/OR charge/PreOp manager for 7 years, and CVICU RN for 2 years. Definitely feeling the burnout having returned to the ICU, but I'm totally invested in optimizing "first pass success.” Sucks like nobody's business going back to the bedside after working so closely with anesthesiologists and CRNAs. Having placed arterial lines, assisted with difficult airways, and prepared drips and rescue agents for open hearts all while picking up pearls and tips for practicing anesthesia safely from working professionals, it seemed counterproductive to work in the ICU again. But it's a box my preferred school needs checked, so I'm ticking it off the list. Major pay cut and lots of feeling like a step backwards but it's all about the big picture and investing in my future.

Sorry that was more of a vent than advice, but the takeaway is if you have a sense that you're potentially shortchanging your future, seriously consider optimizing your chances by returning to the ICU. Sucks like a mother, but it's temporary. A long and painful temporary, but temporary nonetheless.

this.....great solid advice....you got this!! find a travel gig (save as much as you can) and handle it! 

[SRNA-CRNA2b]

It sounds like you are well on your way! From what I've experienced clinical skills are vital to your application so optimizing your experience working with patients should be a priority! I was also just recently accepted into CRNA school and it was certainly a long process.