ICU expericence

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Do you believe that the more ICU experience you have the better CRNA you'll be, or do you instead think that what you did in the ICU BARLEY had any correlation with what you did in CRNA school? I'm wondering this because I'm trying to figure how many years of ICU I should do, I'm thinking about 2 years but I need advice if that's enough.

Also, what level of critical care in icu do they prefer? 0,1,2,3? And is it true that the prefer CVICU (cardiovascular) among any other icu divisions? I would think so since anesthesia requires a lot of intubations and knowing about vitals and proper breathing.

-Backround info: I am a Junior and Highschool and I love to plan way ahead and know what I getting myself into before getting into anything. Ignore any possible grammar errors and thanks for any info you can possibly give me.

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Specializes in CVICU, Transplant ICU, CCRN.
Do you believe that the more ICU experience you have the better CRNA you'll be, or do you instead think that what you did in the ICU BARLEY had any correlation with what you did in CRNA school? I'm wondering this because I'm trying to figure how many years of ICU I should do, I'm thinking about 2 years but I need advice if that's enough.

Also, what level of critical care in icu do they prefer? 0,1,2,3? And is it true that the prefer CVICU (cardiovascular) among any other icu divisions? I would think so since anesthesia requires a lot of

intubations and knowing about vitals and proper breathing.

-Backround info: I am a Junior and Highschool and I love to plan way ahead and know what I getting myself into before getting into anything. Ignore any possible grammar errors and thanks for any info you can possibly give me.

You are never too young to plan ahead. This question would be suited for present CRNAs or students who are already in CRNA programs. Anyway, you will find ten million opinions on this subject. It is best to keep your grades up (3.5 gpa and up) if possible. Your gpa can't be less than a 3.0 to apply to majority of the programs across the country. Your icu experience can be in surgical, cardiac, burn or medical ICU. Some schools will even take peds ICU and ER. I am about to start CRNA school in the fall. Some present students have told me that their ICU experience(s) didn't mean much once they started school and others say that it helped. You can apply after one year of experience in the icu but for your comfort with the drugs and all of the things we do in the ICU area; two years would serve you best. I know nurses who got in with 1 year experience and they did just fine in their programs. I just didn't feel confident enough after my first year to apply. Best Wishes and it's NEVER too early to plan out your future. Best Wishes.

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You're a life saver! Thankyou so much for getting straight to the point,answering all parts of my questions and not being judgmental like some others I see on here. And yes when i'm in college in 2 years from now I plan on cutting any distractions out and focusing on getting a good GPA, GRE scores and any other certifications i may need (ASLS,CCRN etc). After BSN, I plan on doing 2 years in either CVICU or adult ICU in a busy area to get tough cases to prepare me. At first I was thinking about doing one year, but your're right... I'll rather have more experience and me being confident rather than rushing through it and not being confident at all. Thankyou again for your tips and I hope you do well in CRNA school. I heard that it's tough, but remind yourself everyday that you can do it!! Never give up :cat:

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Specializes in CVICU, Transplant ICU, CCRN.
You're a life saver! Thankyou so much for getting straight to the point,answering all parts of my questions and not being judgmental like some others I see on here. And yes when i'm in college in 2 years from now I plan on cutting any distractions out and focusing on getting a good GPA, GRE scores and any other certifications i may need (ASLS,CCRN etc). After BSN, I plan on doing 2 years in either CVICU or adult ICU in a busy area to get tough cases to prepare me. At first I was thinking about doing one year, but your're right... I'll rather have more experience and me being confident rather than rushing through it and not being confident at all. Thankyou again for your tips and I hope you do well in CRNA school. I heard that it's tough, but remind yourself everyday that you can do it!! Never give up :cat:

You are welcome!!! You will have many distractions along the way.... Keep your eyes on the prize. When I was your age, I wasn't focus. It is refreshing to see a young person mapping out their future. I know a young man who graduated from CRNA school at 24 y.o. He knew what he wanted. My sister is a pediatrician and she too always knew what she wanted. She used to talk about it as a child and she had it all map out down to the medical school she wanted to attend. She graduated from University of Miami medical school by 25 and went on to do her residency. I wasn't that child back then but there are days when I wished I was as focus as she was. You will do well.

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Something to consider: if you apply after one year in the icu, by the time you start your program, you will likely be close to the two year mark.

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