Is NICU experience okay?

[nynurse!]

Hi!

wondering if any CRNAs had only NICU experience when they entered CRNA school, and if so was it difficult to keep up with your adult-ICU classmates?

Trying to decide what unit to work in with hopes of becoming CRNA in the future.

Thanks!

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

Hello and welcome to allnurses.com

Great having you here.

Here are similar threads regarding NICU experience that you might find helpful:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f227/nicu-picu-acceptable-201505.html

https://allnurses.com/forums/f227/picu-nicu-experience-164439.html

https://allnurses.com/forums/f227/nicu-cardiac-experience-crna-200564.html

[nynurse!]

Thank you!

That helps:):balloons:

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

You are very welcome.

[SteveNNP, MSN, NP]

I looked at 2 schools while contemplating which master's program was right for me, and both schools said that only having NICU experience does not necessarily disqualify you from admission, but is not usually recognized as highly as adult ICU/CCU experience. Because I also had experience in PICU they said I might have a shot at it, but not a great one because I was fighting dozens of other applicants with extensive adult ICU experience. They recommended I quit my job in NICU and get at least 2 years of CCU/CVICU experience before trying to apply.....I have since decided that I'll pursue my Masters in Nursing as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. Best of luck in your quest!

Stephen

[CaslaRN]

My girlfriend got into Barry with only 1 year NICU experience. She has since graduated and is practicing as a CRNA. She said she just studied harder and that everything that she needed to know was taught to her in CRNA school. Good luck!

[proclivity]

Hi!

wondering if any CRNAs had only NICU experience when they entered CRNA school, and if so was it difficult to keep up with your adult-ICU classmates?

Trying to decide what unit to work in with hopes of becoming CRNA in the future.

Thanks!

yes, you should be just fine.