need advice

You DO NOT NEED TO WORK MED-SURG before going into the ICU. New grad positions are posted for a reason. They should have a decent orientation program and work you into more complicated patients as time progresses. I graduated May 2006 and was hired directly into an ICU position. Most CRNA schools require only 1 year ICU experience. By the time I'm in school this fall, I'll have 2 years under my belt. Some may have done it more quickly, but I couldn't imagine taking the GRE and progressing as a nurse with only 6 months experience before applying to schools. Also, some schools mandate that you have your CCRN, which you need almost 1 year of full time experience before being eligible to sit for the exam. I'm sure you'll get plenty of responses from people saying that you don't need med-surg experience first...especially if you're going to do a preceptorship in a trauma ICU. Good luck to you, and I hope this post is helpful. Keep coming back...you'll get hooked!

Forget med/surg...it would be a waste of your time. CRNA programs require critical care experience and will not give any consideration to the time you spent(wasted) on a med/surg floor. That being said, make sure you put your best foot forward during your preceptorship so that the unit director will consider you for a full-time position after you graduate. Good luck!!!

DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME ON THE MED-SURG FLOOR. The SICU is a better place to learn your skills. Just be diligent, study and ASK QUESTIONS from the nurses who have been there a while. You will thank yourself later for joining the SICU and will like nursing much more there. GOOD LUCK!