how much of a disadvantage?

Focker, CRNA · Apr 24, 2006

I think that if you have the minimum amount of experience you will not be at a disadvantage compared to a more experienced nurse from a classroom perspective. Personally, I think that I began to feel comfortable in the ICU after the first year and did the most important learning during the second year. I think that if, say, I had an extra two years of experience I would have certainly been more knowledgeable and skilled, but I don't think the difference would have been as apparant between the 4th and 2nd years as between the 1st and 2nd. Its hard to say if that extra little bit would make a difference in my preparedness for anesthesia school. I hope that makes sense. I'm sure it is different for everybody, but I just think that there is a point where a person benefits more from returning to school than by gaining more experience in the ICU. It depends on the person what the optimal amount of experience is. I'd say if the anesthesia school thinks you are experienced enough to admit you, thats what you should go by.

blee1 · Apr 24, 2006

...I just think that there is a point where a person benefits more from returning to school than by gaining more experience in the ICU. It depends on the person what the optimal amount of experience is.

This is exactly what I was trying to get at. Thanks for the reply Focker. I guess 2yrs would be good ay? Anyone else?

athomas91 · Apr 24, 2006

there are alot of people who aren't going to like this - but if you want an honest opinion - one or two years of experience will never measure up to 4 or 5 years of experience... yeah after a year you feel comfortable...in the second year you really start to feel pretty confident... but when the s*#! hits the fan - nothing will help you handle it better than experience...not to mention the subtle nuances of pharmacology and physiology that 1 or 2 years of working at a job cannot give you... just my opinion..

i also feel that the requirement of a year really sets us up for "failure" in the eyes of other professional organizations especially the ASA - residents have undergrad...then grad...then residency... if we want to be "equal" - not that we really aren't, however we must look through other's eyes - then we need to require more of ourselves...more experience..more education...

anyway...

i wish you good luck - i am sure you will do well if you set your mind to it.

subee, MSN, CRNA · May 4, 2006

This is probably quite subjective, but how much does one yr of ICU experience vs. multiple yrs play out in anesthesia school? The reason I ask is that I wanna get in ASAP (i.e. with one yr ICU), but I dont want to play catch up in CRNA school. Im definitely willing to get more experience if necessary. Ill be working in a CVICU at teaching hospital if that helps with the responses...

I had ten years of experience before I went on - most of it not ICU. However, I don't believe there's anyway I would have developed any intuition or common sense with one near of nursing experience - even if it is glorious experience like you're going to get in CVICU. Why start out on ice when you can start out on snow?

blee1 · May 4, 2006

Thanks for the replys guys. This might be another stupid question, but does anyone out there regret going to school with less than a couple yrs experience?

TNTsunflower · May 4, 2006

Blee 1

I am finishing my first semester of CRNA school and i only had 2 years of experience. I do feel slightly at a disadvantage, but it is not enough for me to regret my decision. I think it was the BEST decision i ever made. Do not let others discourage you...i am only 24 and as long as you are willing to put the time and effort needed to do well you will be fine. I am a fast learner, i am doing well in clinicals and i am obtaining excellent grades...

In my opinion, I'd rather get my education out of the way before i have too many obligations. My words of wisdom..get your 2 year experience and then go for it! Sorry if there are typos im working on little sleep and i have a test tomorrow! Hope this helps...

Good luck!

athomas91 · May 4, 2006

hey tnt....:)

miloisstinky · May 4, 2006

My 2cents, dont waste your time with more than 1 year. You will do just fine, one year of patient care ICU contact is enough. I had 7 years, i have friends in my program with 1 year only, even only ER, and they are just doing just fine, if not even better.

blee1 · May 4, 2006

wow, looks like a good mix of opinions. i guess ill know when im ready to go. if its more than a yr or two, let it be...

MmacFN · May 4, 2006

hey all

I have to agree with Thomas.

While im not in CRNA school yet i have seen the curriculum and i must say, alot of that isnt something you pick up in one year of anything.

After my interview i discussed just with with a program director. This indiviudal agreed that some of the weakest students were the ones with the least experience in general. The program directors ascertion was that CRNA school does not teach you how to interpret swans and arts etc etc, they teach you how to insert them and EXPECT you know the interpretation. After one year, its unlikely most know the subtle signs of a waveform going all wrong.

As an example, in my interview i had to interpret 12 waveform strips in regards to a case study. It was not easy and over half were not obvious. I also was given 10 case studies and evaluated by 3 ppl as i solved them all. There was everything from 12 lead interpretation (not basic ST elevation but intacacies of WPW long QT and LGL including brugada. These are not common and wont be seen often in one year of experience anywhere.

In fact, i would suggest that the best prepared person would be someone who teachs. If that interview was anything like the typical one then even a 2-3 yrs ICU RN would have severe difficulty especially if they worked a Neuro or Med surg ICU and never CV or SI. The person whos teaching hemodyamics, 12 leads and the general critical care information would have a much easier time of it.

I dont think its wrong to apply with only one year. I just want those who do to recognize they will be behind the 8 ball knowledge wise both in an interview and certainly in the didatic part of the program if accepted.

Good luck all!

TNTsunflower · May 4, 2006

athomas91!

Hope all is going well, i will see you you next friday. I cant believe this semester is over already.

Blee1,

Again, i think u have the right idea. You know your own comfort level and what u are capable of intellectually and emotionally. Do not be intimidated, stand strong, study harder than everyone else and you will pull through.

I do not agree with the previous post about the weakest students being those with the least experience. I can confidently say that in my class of 26 there are many extremely smart students with few years of experience who are very well prepared for class and clinical.

Message me with any questions, id be glad to help...

-TNT