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Discussion

Need some guidance

I need some input on my next career move.

Let me first say that I have an interview in November to a CRNA program. If I don't get in this year, (which I may not because I minimally meet all the requirements, I figure what's the worst they could tell me is no), I will apply next year. I work in a Neuro unit in a level one trauma center. We get a few traumas, but mostly neuro cases. I do see drips (dopamine and neo), a lot of experience with injectate swans. I am looking for a change though. Here are my options.

1) I can stay put, and get charge experience. My supervisor is my largest advesary (she thinks I am a smart ass) and advanced a newer nurse to charge over me. It was all politically charged, and several nurses complained to her about her choice. Now that one of her charge nurses is leaving, she needs someone to be in charge and she asked me last night. I agreed although I would like to tell her to shove it up her hoo-hah. I think it would be a good opportunity, and my co-workers are like family now.

2) I have an interview at a different hospital in a CCU. They have great insurance, but I really don't want to work in CCU. They do occasionally see IABP's and CRRT. It would be a nice change. Cardiac is not my strong point, and this job would help me bone up.

3) Currently there is an opening in the TICU at my hospital. I think this work would be so interesting and a good experience to boot.

I am really torn, my ultimate goal is CRNA but I need to find the best possible way to acheive that goal.

Thanks for an advice in advance

JennyMac

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You didnt mention how long you have been a nurse? And, didnt you need your managers letter of reference for a CRNA program? You are also admitting that you meet the requirements in a minimal way, so this is what I would do: Certainly go to the interview in November and if you do not get in, utilize the experience as EXPERIENCE which will help you gain momentum for the next round. I would also go for the TICU position assuming that it will give you a broader experience and make you a more well rounded candidate for a CRNA program. Learn everything you can and consider getting CCRN certification too, spend at least a year on that unit, and leave the politics and the charge nurse "opportunity" back on the Neuro unit. The experience of what you need to be doing and where you need to be in order to be considered into a program is much more valuable than "charge nurse" and politics anyday! Good luck!

  • Author

Kann,

I have been a nurse for 1 1/2 years. I worked in the neuro unit for 2 1/2 years, as a nurse tech with a preceptor and then as a nurse. My nurse manager did give me a letter of recommendation kind of, The school in which I applied at had a form to fill in with rating my skills from 1-5. She was the only person I had to complete such a form, but according to my yearly evaluation I am doing a good job, just not good enough to be charge nurse.

I certainly do plan on going to the interview, however school will not start until May and I have to think about the best outcome if I do not get in.

Thanks for your advice!

Jennifer

Jenny,

What school did you apply to? I was just wondering because I also live in Tennessee and I have applied for next year.

  • Author

I applied at UTC, because of its location to where I live, if I don't get it next year I will probably apply to MTSA, UAB and UTC.

Jenny:nurse:

I agree with Kann, that if your ultimate goal is to become a CRNA, skip the charge nurse bit. You need as much experience in critical care nursing as possible. I am assuming TICU stands for Trauma ICU. That would be OK, as well as CCU. You need to know your EKG rythms like the back of your hand. You should also have a strong grasp of hemodynamics, and vasoactive and inotropic drips. I also agree that CCRN is good to have. If you do not get in, I would also suggest if your hospital has a CV ICU to go there. You see alot of drips, swans, blood products, IABP, and sometimes VAD's or ECMO depending on your hospial. Best of luck to you.

i'm also looking for all the advice i can get. ( i'm still a student nurse, but I need to know all the right moves to make to make it to columbia univ. one day )

thank you all for your helpful advice.

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