Move out of state for ICU experience?

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Specializes in CVICU, CRNA.

Hi allnurses!

I have many decisions to make in the coming months and I need some serious advice! I have always wanted to become a CRNA and completed my senior practicum in a Neuro/Medical ICU, graduated in March 2013. Since graduating, I have been working on a Med/Surg floor which is getting somewhat boring. I just recently applied to transfer to a step-down critical care unit in order to be a stronger candidate for my hospital's ICU internship. I got denied, didn't even get a phone interview and there were 2 positions open. Needless to say, I am discouraged about how long it will take to get ICU experience if I continue on my current trajectory. I'm guessing about 1-2 years minimum before actually starting in ICU.

Because of this, I recently applied to the University of Utah's Critical Care Internship program. I "passed" the first online interview and am scheduled for a face-to-face interview with the ICU managers next week. If offered the job it would be a 5 month internship with a 2 year commitment afterwards. The pay would be about $15 per hour less than I make now in WA state (don't know exact figures, but that is what I found through research).

So my choices are: continue in my current position and work my way up to ICU, which would take at least one year and as many as 2-3 before even starting. Or, pick up my life and move to Utah, where I've never been, but would get amazing ICU experience. I could be starting CRNA school in 2-3 years rather than just starting in ICU.

I know my choice may seem obvious "if your determined enough, go for it!" but I want to get advice from people who've done something similar and whether it was worth it in the long run to leave family/friends, etc to gain experience. I'm 22 yrs old, no wife or kids, but close family and church, etc. I have been emailing another allnurses member who moved into Utah for this program and has only good things to say about it...and who is now in CRNA school. So I know what my outcome could be if I went for it. I'm just really nervous about moving out of state away from everyone. Some people I know are wondering why I would leave a good paying job to a completely new state....So, is it worth moving to Utah!??

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Are there CRNA schools in Utah? If yes and you can see yourself live in Utah, then I would do it. Your goal is to be a CRNA and this is the next step. You never know, the schools over there are not competitive and you working in the hospital will give you an advantage.

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Specializes in CVICU, CRNA.

Yes, looks like there is 1 program, Westminster College in SLC. Never even thought of going to CRNA school there, figured I would just move back home and wait to start CRNA school at one of the programs I have listed to apply to. That's one vote for move! Thanks!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

That is a dream to stay home and go to CRNA school. Less loans to take out, but it never works out that way. At least you will have 2 options for CRNA schools. One in Utah and one in your hometown. The more options the better to get accepted. It's so competitive out there and I wish you luck!! You will enjoy any decision you will make, just follow your heart and guts, lol!!

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Move to Utah. Your dream goal is more important than a few months of separation from friends and family. Plus you don't have baggage/burden from wife/kids and you're still young. Mobility should be easy. So take any opportunity you can get during desperate times.

Would take any chance I can get even if it meant moving to Mars.

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I worked on a med-surg floor for TWO years all while attempting to start in an ICU in my area. They wouldn't even allow me to work in the ICU at the hospital I worked and it was like a level III. A friend of mine got into CRNA school and I realized that it's time to move on. I moved 2 hours away from home. (Definitely not as bad as moving to UTAH). However, it was still a sacrifice. One year later, I'm currently applying to CRNA school. I'm an alternate at one school and I have two more interviews scheduled and three schools that I haven't heard from yet. I completely regret not leaving the floor sooner. I've been getting amazing experience at a level 1 trauma center. Move now!! Do not wait!

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I have not even entered nursing school yet, but was thinking this might be an option for getting in to an ICU, since I only have one big hospital in my local area and it could take years to even get placed in to an ICU after graduation. I will be 37 when I graduate and have wife and kids, so I am probably just going to put in the work/time to get a job locally, but if I was in the OPs situation, I would seriously consider moving if it offered a faster route to my end goal.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU.

The U of U will give you great experience. You are at a point in your life where you can make this move with relative ease. Much more difficult if you have a spouse and kids. The drop in pay is disappointing, that extra $15/hr could go a long way towards paying down debt/saving up for CRNA school. I don't think you could go wrong either way. You are are young, waiting an extra 2-3 years will give you time to prepare yourself clinically and financially for anesthesia school. However, a lot can happen in those years that may set you back even longer and/or allow you to accumulate more debt. Go with whatever decision seems best for your individual circumstance.

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Specializes in Step-down ICU.

Sometimes you have to go where the opportunities are. If you can move, then go for it. You won't regret it!

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I was previously in the U of U ICU internship. I start CRNA school in January. I will send you a PM. You will get great experience at the U of U. Check your inbox.

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I'm in the same boat. Like you, I'm also near your age, I'm 23. I'm done with my BSN next month and in California where the job market is terrible for ICU new grad positions. I still work in WA state as a nurse intern, but am thinking about going away since there is no opportunity for me to go into an ICU ASAP, where I'd like to be.

I'm SO glad to see that someone else is in the same shoes as I am. I really don't know what to do whether to wait or stay, but after Reading these posts, I suppose I'll move out-of-state for the opportunity and to also follow my dreams and listen to my heart.

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Specializes in CVICU, CRNA.

Thank you all for your great advice. I was offered the position and it starts in January. I have a lot to figure out before then!!

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