I know I need at least 1 yr ICU but when do I apply?

CougRN · Sep 14, 2006

you need a year of experience before you start school. so find out when the school's start and then do the math. just remember that some schools want more than one year and they have the right to require this. the aana is the group that says that one year is the "minimum" requirement.

brendave · Sep 14, 2006

Thanks for the info. I know I might be jumping the gun, but its never too soon to start planning!

berry · Sep 15, 2006

Check with the schools you will be applying to. I rememeber Goodings in FL requires 1 year prior to application deadline others just say before the program starts...

Summitk2 · Sep 15, 2006

I did the exact same thing as you, I'm a year ahead of you and just started in a CVICU. First, I'd say: relax. Try not to get caught up in the future all the time--I know it's hard, but try and focus more on what's in front of you right now. Especially in an accelerated program, the concrete of your BSN GPA will be setting very quickly and you need to focus on it.

Like berry said, I've also noted several anesthesia schools with app due dates 8, 10, 12, or more months before the start date. You should have some marketable skills/experience before you apply, so I'm not going to bother applying to these programs without something to sell as an experienced nurse. If you have the flexibility and you're desperate, you could "fish" for the programs with app due dates closer to the program start, and apply to several with the goal of just getting in somewhere. Some people (myself included) find that they would feel more comfortable with more than the minimum 1 year of critical care experience. Once you become a critical care nurse, you'll find out how much experience will be best for you.