I need some words of advice/encouragement

Nursing Students SRNA

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Specializes in MICU, Surgical Stepdown, CCU.

Hello everyone, I currently work in an MICU with the goal of becoming a CRNA. I have worked here for 8 months now, however, I have run into a few bumps in the road. I've made a few mistakes now and it seems as though everyone on my unit has lost trust in me and I think they are potentially going to send me to the floor. I am absolutely freaking out because I feel like my dream is slipping away! I work hard and this is something that I really want to do, but right now I'm lost as to what I should do. I'm not opposed to going to the floor, but I wonder if this will hurt my chances of getting back into ICU (at this particular facility) in the future and completing my experience needed for CRNA school? Should I go to another hospital in their ICU when I feel that I am ready? Has anyone ever run into a detour/bump like this? I really need some advice because I'm not sure what I should do right now.

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Specializes in CVSICU.

Why would they send you to the floor over a few mistakes? (as long as they are not major ones such as patient deaths). I would talk to your manager to get the real scoop and relay your concerns. Let them know that you want to learn and get better, I would hope after 8 months that you have a good grasp on things, otherwise you may need to reassess your dream of CRNA. If you can't hack it in the ICU, you will most likely struggle as an advanced practitioner, IMO.

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Specializes in ICU.

I kinda agree with the previous poster. Yes having your dreams crushed sucks, but it isn't failure. Maybe you have the tools to be a great ICU RN and a great CRNA. But maybe you don't. ? We don't know. But if you go to the floor and never get back to ICU or CRNA school be good at what you do do and always try hard.

That being said, (lol) I got fired from my first RN job in the ICU within two months of orientation. The worse thing I did was give 2 units SQ insulin when the pt was on an insulin drip. (they said I wasn't safe)

I did some LAME home health care for a Dr I knew personally and a few months later got into an other ICU at a different hospital, worked my rear off, read everything I could about all my pt's cases, and asked lots of questions. Less than 2 years later I'm CCRN certified and am quite competent.

Don't give up yet.

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Specializes in MICU, Surgical Stepdown, CCU.

Yea, this is my first job as an RN. I know some people can pass with flying colors inthe ICU starting out and some ppl need sometime and maybe need to start on the floor. I'm not afraid to admit if I am having difficulty. I'm not going to give up on being a CRNA just yet, I'm still pretty young and got room to grow to get my critical thinking skills up. I was pretty emotional when I wrote the original post, but after having some time to think about it, i think this may end up being better for me in the end. I'm not giving up on my dream just yet!

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Specializes in rehab.

To the OP. DO NOT GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAM, if you do so then why are you alive?

I think this "bump" in the road is just a wake up call. You need to read, study, ask questions, find other ICU nurses from other hospitals and make friends, do reserch, work for free if you have too. Pretty soon you will gain your confidence back, and then gain theirs. You are well on your way to be a CRNA, his "bump" is the 1st step :)

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