ICU RN NEXT STEPS?

[mikasa]

I'm a recent new grad and have been working in the CV ICU for close to 5 months and I've really enjoyed it and have also been overwhelmed but it's the unit I've always wanted to work in! Anyways, my goal has always been to get into anesthesia school. I know I need at least a year experience. What should I do until then to increase my chances of getting in? I plan on getting my CCRN once I get enough clinical hrs. What else?? Thanks!!

[gazpaz]

Be an all around over achiever - get ACLS, PALS, work as a charge nurse, run codes, work on special projects or committees. Take the GRE, work OT shifts to give yourself more hours in the ICU and more experience. Work on placing a ton of IVs, working woth ventilators, Aline's, Swans, learn all of the drips and why you are giving them. Be the person that other people turn to for help or when things are starting to go south.

[micurn0126]

I am a SRNA that was recently accepted to my school of choice and was in a similar situation: Had 2 years MICU experience, always dreamed of CRNA school.

Continue to focus on learning something new every time you go in to work. Those who will be interviewing you will want to know if you are someone who goes above and beyond, and is committed to learning.

Gazpaz's suggestions are fantastic. Take advantage of all learning opportunities. Remain humble. Be kind to everyone you meet and work with. (You never know who knows so-and-so who happens to be related to someone who may be interviewing you). In other words act as though everyone is potentially interviewing you.

In the months leading up to the interview you should be studying 2-3 hours per day. In my case, I interviewed in October 2015 and although I had done some basic studying and background research on anesthesia school, I began vigorously studying in February. (Anesthesia and ICU material alike)

Also what I believe to be the key to my success was attempting to interview at multiple schools. My first interview was all nerves. Did not go well. Practice interviewing, remember what questions are asked, and come better prepared next time.