How did you become a Critical Care Nurse?

Guests · Jan 19, 2014

If I wanted to get into the ICU from med-surg, I'd undertake a hardcore self-education program over 12 months. There are a ton of great reference books out there and I'd find one (or some) and seek to master the material.

I'd also go out of my way to be sure that my patients were completely dialed in before I took them to the ICU... I'd know everything there was to know in preparation for the report that the ICU folks want to get... I'd seek to make a great impression each and every time I interacted with one of the ICU nurses.

Ultimately, I'd look for opportunities to shadow and then to float.

And finally, I'd keep my big mouth shut about being "a future CRNA."

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Jan 19, 2014

And finally I'd keep my big mouth shut about being "a future CRNA."[/quote']
This. Don't mention it to a potential employer as no one wants to use to be used as a CRNA stepping stone.
I definitely agree with floating. That's what helped get me into the ER with no ER experience (I came from progressive care). It helped me establish a rapport with the nurses and providers and they were able to see my work ethic. Once I talked to them about becoming an permanent ER employee, they were more than happy to let me make the switch. My old manager and director from PCU weren't happy but that wasn't their decision.

Ultraposh · Jan 20, 2014

Haha u actually was thinking I'd keep that to myself during the interview. Why do you say so? I'm not money motivated I already will be making 113k at my job now once I become an RN later this year. That is great advice I was wondering if there were any books I could use!

Ultraposh · Jan 20, 2014

But now I am trying to figure out if I should do a new grad critical care fellowship at one hospital or try to get a med surg job at another and then float!

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jan 22, 2014

My first job out of school was on the hospital's Neurosciences floor. When I'd been there for about 18 months I applied for a SICU/CVICU position internally and was hired that way.

Why keep mum about CRNA aspirations? Because the ICU is investing in its new hire, to the tune of many tens of thousands of dollars. Naturally it would be wiser investment to hire the one who is committed to being an RN in their ICU, rather than the one who is going to leave for anesthesia school after a year or two.

Ultraposh · Jan 22, 2014

Tens of thousands? I would think that number is a little inflated, no? People want to go to school and advance their careers. I dont think it should be unexpected.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jan 22, 2014

Tens of thousands? I would think that number is a little inflated, no? People want to go to school and advance their careers. I dont think it should be unexpected.

It was just a friendly piece of advice. We (well, I'm assuming PPs had similar motivation) want you to get an ICU position and not run the risk of shooting yourself in the foot.

If you haven't, I'd get ahold of a CCRN exam review book. Another poster made this point on another thread, but I've found it to be true also--reading the questions and rationales is very helpful! I'd try to get your ACLS asap also. You'll need it anyway, and you'd be showing some proactive dedication. :up:

Ultraposh · Jan 22, 2014

Yea! I actually got a AACN Essentials of Critical Care book. Im really excited about it! I'm going to get a CCRN book later. I should read material first before exam preps. I am looking into acls and the others. Im contemplating if it is a good idea to do it online. That is what is convenient for me, but I'm just wondering if it is best.. You did have a point, most likely the new grad fellowship is paid training and I have a feeling it isn't a 2 week shindig. Well from what I downloaded from the site it is a lottt to cover and I honestly think 2 weeks is sufficient to remember what everything in the slides let alone the skills. It definitely changed my way of thinking as a nurse. I'm excited but a little intimidated by everything. I'm going to learn as much as I can now book-wise. I have about a year before I get my adn and apply for that new grad fellowship.

Cook26 · Jan 22, 2014

Tens of thousands? I would think that number is a little inflated no? People want to go to school and advance their careers. I dont think it should be unexpected.[/quote']
In my hospital (level 1) I saw somewhere that to train a new nurse in our CVICU (6 month orientation) the cost is almost six figures. Just your salary for six months while on orientation is close to $25,000. Then add on all the classes, paying for certifications like ACLS, and paying for the staff to train you.
It is not cheap to train someone.

Ultraposh · Jan 22, 2014

I just don't see why they would have a yearly new grad program if it costs that much. Maybe this "fellowship" is not paid

SRNA4U, BSN, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jan 23, 2014

I'm currently in my first year of nurse anesthesia school and the previous poster was right in not telling your ICU manager during the interview your plans are to become a CRNA. A buddy of mine was an OR nurse who applied for a critical care internship and during the interview he mentioned he wanted to become a CRNA and ultimately he was not accepted into the critical internship.. He then had to apply to another hospital for their ICU internship and this time he didn't mention it and was accepted.

My anesthesia class has 20 students and none of them told their bosses they were applying for anesthesia school when they were first hired. I was active duty Air Force so it's kind of accepted that most military ICU nurses will plan to move on to CRNA school or either the Critical Care CNS/ACNP route. The military really supports us for moving on in our careers but the civilian sector in the ICU is totally different. I'm in a civilian CRNA program and thats the best piece of advice I could give you. As hard as ICU internships are to come by these days, you defintely dont want to shoot your chances of getting into a program because you didnt want to heed the advice of fellow nurses who have been there.