Med Surg & ICU before applying

[ashfost]

hey everyone. just throwin an idea out to u guys. i was talking a friend of mine, kinda like my nursing mentor, and she told me that she thinks its very wise to work in med surg for one year just because of the valuable experience a young nurse can get starting off. do you guys think its wise to have two years (1 of med surg and 1 of ICU) before applying? would that make a pretty strong application? just wondering you guys think! ttyl!

ashfoste

[CCRNERIC]

i recently interviewed for crna school and believe me there is nothing in the interview about dressing changes and bowel and bladder program. I think med surg is necessary to make you a well rounded nurse. i really am supprised with the students that are smart enough to get into crna school after only one year. if crna is you goal stick to icu and studdy as hard as you can. study everything and study every single day. in order to pass your ccrn, gre, acls, pals, tncc, really understand hemodynamics and be a great icu nurse your going to need more than one year. good lunck. its not impossible but extreamly difficult.

[heartICU]

I agree with most of the above posters. Stick to ICU if CRNA school is what you want. I got in after one year, and managed to acquire ACLs and CCRN in that time, and was also VAD, IABP, and ECMO certified. It CRNA is what you want to go, I woudl go straight to the ICU and make the most of your time there. Sign up for advanced classes (12-lead, IABP, etc) and get the certifications as soon as you are able. MAximize the educational opportunities you have. When I interviwed, my program looked favorably on the fact that in one year, I was able to get all the extra education that I did....they felt I was a motivated learner and would do well in seeking out educational experiences while in CRNA school. Good luck!

[dlchap78]

I too agree. I went through an accelerated BSN program and worked in the ICU that I am in now as a secretary and tech. When I graduated I was fortunate enough to get hired and went straight to days. Yes, there are somedays that I think I should have at least started on nights but when I start to think about going to CRNA school I know I made the right decision. If you are motivated and have a strong desire to get into CRNA school then head straight for ICU. I am taking all the classes that I can. :) I just got my ACLS cert and will take the GRE and CCRN in June. I am going to start applying this fall if I get in I will have two years ICU experience. GOOD LUCK!

[JimmyMallo]

By the time you would have 1 year med/surg. and 1 year ICU you could have 2 years ICU and CCRN and all of the certs you need to be a top applicant. Even more, that extra year with vents, balloons, drips etc. will make you that much more confident during the all important interview.

Just my 2¢