is neuro icu exp. acceptable?

foxyhill21 · Dec 13, 2007

I personally think any ICU-adult is acceptable

pilateschick7 · Dec 13, 2007

I have spoken with 3 program directors and Neuro ICU is acceptable, however, other programs might want you to cross train at your hospital's CVICU to gain some exposure to Swans and PA lines sometimes rare in neuro. Getting your CCRN really helps make you more well rounded. Good luck

gasmaster · Dec 23, 2007

just wondering if anyone knew if neuro icu experience would be competitve in the goal of CRNA school acceptance. i just recently got hired in a neuro icu and have the goal of going to CRNA school within the next few years. thanks for any input!

I have 15 years of Neuro ICU. No other types of units. (mixed trauma and surgical neuro) The only prob I had was that the only certification I held was my CNRN. One school thought it was great but another required me to take the CCRN to apply. I took the stupid thing and did very well, although I really sweated the CV part. I found though that most of the CV stuff was basic and what we do every day in NVICU anyway, if you work in a high level unit like me where we do swans, vents, gtts, etc all the time. Anyway, I have interviews at both schools I applied to. You should have no problem either.

gasmaster · Dec 23, 2007

I have spoken with 3 program directors and Neuro ICU is acceptable, however, other programs might want you to cross train at your hospital's CVICU to gain some exposure to Swans and PA lines sometimes rare in neuro. Getting your CCRN really helps make you more well rounded. Good luck

That all depends on the level of unit. Most level I & level II trauma centers use swans, bio-z, BIS, vents, CVVHD, etc. routinely in the neuro ICU's. In the same respect, many lower level CVICU's do not routinely use swans, vents, etc. I think it is all very dependent on the acuity of your patient population rather than the type of unit you work in.