Is ED experience acceptable for CRNA programs?

[LeLeeFNP]

Hello. I am wondering if anyone knows if CRNA programs will accept ED experience for your critical care experience? I have done a bit of research and have seen programs out there that have specifiacally stated that they DONT accept ED experience and it must be in an ICU setting, but i am not sure if this is typical. Does anyone know of any CRNA programs that DO accept ED experience?

Thanks!

[sleepyrasrn]

Typically programs want ICU experience. The AANA standard is a minimum of 1 year in an ICU setting with ventilators and vasoactive drips.

Each program has different requirements, but in my research I haven't seen any programs that will consider ED experience as ICU experience. The reason is that they want you to have some experience with management of vasoactive drips, hemodynamics, swanns, etc.

And to be perfectly honest, the type of ICU experience you have really makes a difference. A cardiothoracic ICU setting in a large teaching hospital is probably the best experience you can get for boosting your chances. I've seen one program that accepts neonatal ICU experience, but most don't and PACU is typically not considered ICU experience. Otherwise, Medical ICU, Respiratory ICU, Neuro ICU, CCU are the kinds of experience that are acceptable.

[Sxg84581]

I haven't seen any. If you haven't found any, you may want to transfer to ICU. I worked in the ER prior to ICU and while there are similarities at times, they are few and far between.

[loveanesthesia]

The admissions requirements in the accreditation standards state:

At least one year of experience as a RN in an acute care setting (see Glossary).

Acute care experience - Work experience during which an RN has developed as an independent decision-maker capable of using and interpreting advanced monitoring techniques based on knowledge of physiological and pharmacological principles.

Programs can choose to interprete this as they find appropriate. Many require ICU experience, but not all. You'll just need to check with individual programs. You may also find that while a program does not require ICU experience, you will be at a disadvantage if you don't have it.

[murse04]

Florida Hospital College in Orlando states on their website that some ER is acceptable as long as it is Level one trauma facility. I currently work in a level one trauma center, in the ER, and I am in the process of making the switch for many reasons, reasons such as just about everyone who applies to CRNA programs are unit nurses, its the only place you are going to get one on one experience with pt's on a vent and vasoactive drips as well. I would love to stay in the ER but I know that I must do this to reach my goal, it's all about making yourself as marketable as possible becuase there is always going to be applicants that are better than your's, people with more experience, grades, etc....so i would make the switch and soke up the experience you will gain in the unit.

[hopefulnurse84]

no, has to be critical care. icu, ccu, cvicu, neuro icu, etc.