How much additional schooling for ICU?

[k13rk]

Hello,

I'm currently in my first year of the BSN program and I'm just wondering how much more additional schooling is usually required before you are able to work in the ICU?

[AimeeJo RN]

It depends. I am trying to get into a residency program where I live. It doesn't require any more schooling, than my RN degree. The residency program (if you don't know), is usually a few months of on the job training and classes at the hospital, along with working with a preceptor until I am ready to work on my own. There are some classes required that the hospital may offer, such as ACLS, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (usually a 2 day class for a couple hundred dollars). I believe you can get your CCRN certification, (Critical Care) but it is not usually required. Hope this helps, I am no expert, just begining to work my way into ICU.