L&D RN --> CRNA

[obizyanka]

Hello fellow nurses,

As the post is titled, I am an RN in L/D. Looking for encouragement and direction on the path to become a CRNA. I enjoy working L/D and I enjoy my schedule of 3 days a week max with 12hr shifts. I have the BSN, ACLS, PALS, chem classes, and whatever other academic and certification requirements completed.

My next step is to take a huge jump and leave the job I love and go into unexplored territory into something that I will hate or absolutely love. I think that I will have an easy transition from L/D to ICU since I already work with just 1-2 patients who need extensive monitoring and charting and handle life and death issues and 'dangerous' medications. In addition to being pregnant or in labor many of ur patients also have serious health problems which need to be managed and are exasperated in labor, it seems many over look this fact, All patients are not healthy 21yr olds. All babies do not come out alive and well. We handle our own codes, its all hush hush to make the hospital look good. Who would like to hear an over head code called or l/d or new born nursery. Makes everyone think its all rainbows and sunshine in my dept.

Aaaaanyway........Has anyone else made this career change and how did it go for you? I'm currently applying for jobs. Has anyone tried ICU part time and kept their full time job just in case? How long of an orientation did you get to ICU? I would obviously need a good lesson on cardiac drips and such. I don't even have a job yet, but still nervous and want to make a good and informed decision. I know that ICU experience is needed before I can apply to CRNA programs. The only thing holding me back, is me. Confused and looking forward to no longer holding myself back I was even thinking looking for a job on the iv team part time or perdiem if there is nothing available for ICU immediately. It would at least give me some more experience with different patient populations ...and I'm one of those nurses who actually really enjoys starting IVs and think the more advanced lines can also be interesting to work with.

Any tips, positive comments, or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Obizyanka

[CRNA, DNSc]

Can it be done? Yes absolutely! I had 6 years of labor and delivery when I moved to CVICU. Was it a easy change- no- but it was absolutely necessary for anesthesia school. Don't just try it halfheartedly- go for it full out. Enjoyed L&D but have absolutely loved being a CRNA for 20+ years!

[Pixius]

Hello,

I am also on L&D and interested in moving around to ICU. I am skeptical at first about the transition since it would be rather difficult. I love where I work, lots of high-risk. But I am concerned as well and nervous.But like almost everyone says, it's all worth it. Let me know how you make out with your job hunting! Good luck.

[Mully]

I think that'd be a smooth transition. Keep in mind, going to the ICU, you should get a solid orientation with a lot of classroom time built in; e.g. ventilator management, hemodynamics, neuro/trauma/cardiac stuff depending on where you go etc.

Are you unsure about hating or loving the ICU as a nurse or the OR as a CRNA? Have you shadowed anyone?