Minimum ICU experience

I think at least 2 years is better than having the bare minimum. I think 3-5 years makes a student more comfortable with the healthcare system overall and gives you the time to develop your own professional interaction with patients. It also gives you the time to encounter many types of pathophys of critical patients along with various treatment methods. I think after 5 years you have diminishing returns as far as being helpful for CRNA school.

3-4 years are ideal, IMO. There is A LOT to learn in the ICU that aids your career further down the line. I have been a clinical instructor and clinical co-ordinator for over 20 years now. Certainly one does not need 10+ years of experience, and I have had many students who actually are hurt by having this much experience, as they get set in their ways, influenced by dogma, and less receptive to learning new things. But anyone out there, at all, that can say they knew everything there was to know about their unit, as a new nurse, in 12 months or less is just plain full of crap. It shows in every aspect of your clinical care and clinical experience.

I get wanting to get thru school, and start your career, etc. But why not do what is needed to get you started on the best and strongest foot going forward, and why not do what will help you be a stronger provider?

Thanks Bigpappacrna. I am in no rush to finish...although of course who doesn't want to be done sooner than later :)

I am just trying to get a timeline in my head of how long the process will take from start to finish. And I do not want to rush through ICU just to get through school. I want to absorb and bring the best of me to the table.

Thanks Bigpappacrna. I am in no rush to finish...although of course who doesn't want to be done sooner than later

I am just trying to get a timeline in my head of how long the process will take from start to finish. And I do not want to rush through ICU just to get through school. I want to absorb and bring the best of me to the table.

Thanks Bluebolt for the feedback. Do you mind if I ask if you are in ICU or have ICU experience? Or is this in general you are speaking from?

BigPappa, in your experience, what is the best way to approach learning since I am in the 10+ ICU crowd. I always wanted to go back for an APRN, but life happened...so I ended up applying several years after my original plan. Anything to make sure I do not fall into the category of the 10y+ negative type students? I appreciate your wisdom and want to be teachable.

Most reputable CRNA programs have a waiting list. So even if you apply after 1 year of experience, you'll likely have at least another year to work before your program would start. Take a look at the websites of the programs that interest you. Many near me are accepting applications for the Fall 2019 cohort.

Thanks Bluebolt for the feedback. Do you mind if I ask if you are in ICU or have ICU experience? Or is this in general you are speaking from?

I did 2 years in a SICU/MICU/CVICU mixed unit as a new grad RN. Then I did 2 years travel nursing in various ICU settings. Currently, finishing up my second year out of three for my CRNA doctorate.

Thanks Bigpappacrna. I am in no rush to finish...although of course who doesn't want to be done sooner than later

I am just trying to get a timeline in my head of how long the process will take from start to finish. And I do not want to rush through ICU just to get through school. I want to absorb and bring the best of me to the table.

I think as far as experience all you need is 1-2 years max. Other things to consider is whether you will have to take or retake courses, adequate gre preping, and passing the CCRN. These additional consideration can add a year or two on when you apply.

Most schools want a minimum of 2 years by the time you matriculate into the program. So at the time of application to school, you'd ideally have a year to a year-and-a-half of experience under your belt. I felt that at the 2 year mark, I was solid in my skills and was ready to advance my learning.

In my class we had multiple students with minimal ICU experience, and even a few who had PICU experience. My suggestion is that after you apply you will still have a year before you begin school. So use that time to take in every experience you can. Apply when you feel ready.

I've been in the ICU for about a year and a half now. I got accepted just recently to school with the knowledge I'll have another 6 months in the unit, which I'm happy about. I feel experience is key in any and all types of nursing, but ultimately it's a personal feeling.