Is Med/Surg necessary if I'm going for my CRNA?

manusko · Apr 15, 2011

I'm just about to graduate from RN school and plan to go on to CRNA school as soon as I have the necessary 1-2+ years of ICU experience. I have heard several nurses say that they think all nurses should start in a general med/surg unit to get a grasp on the basics before specializing in a department like the ICU. The question is what if I only what to be a CRNA and just need the ICU experience? Would I be OK to just start off in the ICU and get that experience and move on?

A lot of people in CRNA school have not worked med-surg.

Class2011 · Apr 16, 2011

Yes, as far as CRNA school goes.

But it's only worth it if the icu is a good fit. Is the acuity level sufficiently high? Does it have a good orientation program? Are the nurses there going to be welcoming and supportive or will they be scornful and obstructive because you have not done the "prerequisite" med/surg time? I would look for a minimum of a six month orientation into the ICU plus critical care class time. And try your best to scope out the attitude of the nurses, not just the ones hiring you.

Pete495 · Apr 16, 2011

Med Surg doesn't matter. They don't care if you've had medsurg experience. You should look for a critical care fellowship if there are any available in your area. They train nurses out of graduate school in critical care. Not all hospitals offer them, but it is a good opportunity. I would only enter med surg if I absolutely couldn't get a critical care job. If they are willing to train you, then put forth the effort while you are there. Get your ACLS, CCRN, etc. Learning hemodynamics will be key for crna school, so do your best to get exposure to swans, vents, IABP's, etc.

meandragonbrett · Apr 16, 2011

Go to the ICU and spend 2-3 years learning how to be an EXCELLENT critical care nurse. Be willing to take assignments that challenge you, be willing to float to the other ICUs to obtain a different perspective. Be willing to cross train to the ED and PACU. Experience is so important as is having a well rounded background. Then get your ducks in a row for CRNA school.

Good Luck!

ErnestineB2009 · Apr 16, 2011

I think the ICU requirements for CRNA is mostly due to high acutity patient encounters you will experience in the OR and post-op. Its something you will not get from med-surg.