I know this is a common question, but: CCU/SICU vs. NICU?

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Specializes in CVICU, anesthesia.

I know there are always people on here asking what the BEST possible experience is and where they should work, what classes they should get, etc. And I also know that surgical and/or cardiac ICU experience is usually preferred by CRNA programs. However, I have found myself in a little predicament. I currently work as a nursing assistant at a large teaching hospital and I graduate from my BSN program in May. Their cardiac and surgical ICU's are combined, and I have floated to that unit several times and love it there. I've made a point to make some contacts and demonstrate my work ethic and hunger for learning to them. I think there is a decent chance I may get hired on this floor if I apply come spring.

BUT, I just finished my OB and pediatric clinicals and I absolutely loved my NICU experience. I thought to myself, "if I didn't want to go to CRNA school, I would definitely work in NICU." I just had my clinical eval with my peds prof, and she told me I would be an excellent NICU nurse and she has 20 years experience at one of the best NICU's in the country (which also happens to be at the hospital I currently work at) and she would highly recommend me there.

I did a little research, and my #1 choice (dream school) for CRNA school accepts NICU experience for the critical care requirement. So, here are my questions:

1. Should I pursue a job in the NICU where I think I will enjoy my job more or get the "better" experience of the CCU/SICU?

2. Will I be lost in anesthesia school after not caring for adults since nursing school?

3. Should I just pursue both, keeping in mind that new grad jobs in these areas can be hard to come by? (By the way, I did my homework and both areas DO hire new grads and WILL need more RN's come summer)

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in CVICU.

Maybe the next step should be spending some time shadowing CRNAs and see what your true passion is. If you become 10x more excited about CRNA then maybe ccu/sicu would be your best bet. If you decide that you want to take things a little slower and see what the future brings you before moving on the grad school, then maybe nicu would be good. Like you said, your CRNA school of choice accepts nicu experience so they obviously have the tools to teach you how to be a practicioner for all ages, even if the adult stuff may not come as easily to you as it would for the sicu nurses. Or take your time and do both :)

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Specializes in CVSICU.

If you want to have a better chance of getting into CRNA school quickly...get adult ICU experience.

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Do what's more important to you. Most CRNA schools prefer adult ICU experience, and you know that or you wouldn't have posted. If you're only going to work for 1-2 years and go immediately for anesthesia, you'll set yourself up better if you work with adults. Shadowing a CRNA now is a great idea, to discover if it's truly what you want RIGHT NOW or if you'd like to enjoy nursing for a while and then consider it. If you're young and want to gain some experience first, do what you think you'll love! Work in the NICU, and when you're ready to apply for CRNA school apply. If you don't get in the first time or two, it might be time to put in for a transfer. Then, when you do go to CRNA school down the road, you'll be one of the few people in your class who's comfortable with babies.

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hey MoLee, I know this is an old thread now but I thought you might see the message that I posted anyway. What did you decide to do? You sound exactly like me. I'm graduating this May, soon to be choosing my last clinical rotation and I want to do NICU because I feel like I will love it there. I did SICU/MICU/trauma ICU this summer.. but I just LOVE the feeling of helping those little babies. Like you said, I feel like working there the time will fly, working with the adults it will go a bit slower and maybe with a bit more bad days in there... just curious what you chose to do! I know you wouldn't have applied or heard from any anesthesia schools yet but I'm still interested! Thanks!!

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Specializes in trauma ICU,TNCC, NRP, PALS, ACLS.

i know a girl that has been rejected several times because she only has nicu experience. I know several picu rn that have been accepted to CRNA. how about picu instead of nicu?

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oh man, that is discouraging... i had thought about PICU but many of the schools I am interested in do not accept PICU as experience

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Specializes in trauma ICU,TNCC, NRP, PALS, ACLS.

WOW. the 3 school I am looking into all accept picu exp.

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Specializes in CVICU, anesthesia.

I decided on CVICU. Actually, it was the only area I was offered a job, but I do love it. I still think I would have loved NICU, but I don't think I could be getting much better experience for CRNA school than I am getting now! High, high, high acuity patients and tons of autonomy. I'm gaining confidence and waiting to hear from the CRNA schools I have applied to. Keeping my fingers crossed!

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