Level 1 vs Level 2 Trauma center

[bludger]

First of all, hello to everyone. This is my first post and am glad to have come upon this website. There seems to be some great information here.

Now to the point, I am graduating May 6th with my BSN and have the opportunity to work at either a Level 1 or Level 2 trauma center. The level 2 is closer to home, but I was wondering if, when applying to anesthesia school, it would look better to have my experience in a Level 1? Either way I feel as though I'll receive a great education at either place, but I would like to increase my chances of being accepted to CRNA school the first time. Thanks to all.

[soliant12]

It shouldn't make a bit of difference go with the job that will give you the most experience and the one you are happy at the most.

First of all, hello to everyone. This is my first post and am glad to have come upon this website. There seems to be some great information here.

Now to the point, I am graduating May 6th with my BSN and have the opportunity to work at either a Level 1 or Level 2 trauma center. The level 2 is closer to home, but I was wondering if, when applying to anesthesia school, it would look better to have my experience in a Level 1? Either way I feel as though I'll receive a great education at either place, but I would like to increase my chances of being accepted to CRNA school the first time. Thanks to all.

[SorenDrake]

If you are serious about CRNA school, contact some of the ones you are looking at applying to. Not all school accept TC experience.

[UCDSICURN]

Why do people get so hung up on the trauma designations? Go where you'll get the best experience. I worked in a Level 1 trauma's vascular/trauma SICU for 2.5 years. I learned a lot. Great cases. I recently switched to a high volume heart hospital right down the road. No university affiliation, no trauma designation. They're a heart hospital. I'm learning a ton there also and actually have more autonomy and perform more procedures then I ever did at the university hospital due to the lack of residents.

Go where you'll get the best experience. Don't worry about trauma designations especially the difference between level 1 & 2. The main difference, at least here in California, is that level 1's are affiliated with university's/med schools. Level 2's do the same stuff but may farm out burns or some major cases, which if they're that major usually die anyhow.

Just my 2 cents...take it for what it's worth.

[bludger]

Thanks for everyone's input. I'll most likely choose the closer job, since gas prices are on the rise.

[rn29306]

I sat in on last year's interview board. Trauma designation didn't mean jack.

It will become apparent that you either know your stuff or not during the interview (for those interviews that are clinically based, as are ours). Location of trauma hospital vs non-trauma hospital really isn't a factor.

I came from an out-of-state level 2 that doesn't even have hearts with 3 years experience, if that tells you anything.

YOU are the deciding factor, not if you work at a trauma designated facility or not.

Good luck.

[japaho41]

The hospital I work at was recently surveyed to become Level one Trauma. The only difference that they cited is that Level one conducts trauma related research. The type of trauma patients that you will take care of may not change between level one or two. If you work in the SICU it doesn't really matter. What matters is the acutity of the patients you are taking care of to get the best experience on post-surgical patients. Ask questions about how many patients are on a vent, hemodynamic monitoring, and vasoactive gtts and length of stay.

[Brian_SRNA]

Worry less about the level designation and choose a job you like, have a god experience at, and make good contacts for references. Spend more time worrying about the GRE, and have fun with the experience of applying to graduate school. The whole process, although stressful, should be fun also, dont get too bogged down and enjoy yourself.

greatest luck