Neuro ICU

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Hello all! Just joined the site because I am nearing graduation, and would also like some input on CRNA school.

A little about me: I'm in my last semester of a BSN program, and I'm currently precepting in the Neuro ICU at a large magnet hospital. Overall everything is going great, and I've spoken to the nurse manager about interviewing for a position in August when I'm officially finished.

My plan is to work on the NICU for 1-2 years, and then apply for CRNA school. During those 2 years I intend to acquire my CCRN cert, do some shadowing, become a preceptor, and take an online graduate research course which will count towards my credit hours upon entrance into the program.

My 2 primary concerns with being accepted into a CRNA program are: 1) GPA, and 2) the prospective job market for CRNAs.

1) My overall GPA is above a 3.0, but not as high as I would like (due to some poor decisions during my freshman year). That being said, my last 60 hours GPA is around a 3.4, my required sciences GPA (a&p 1 & 2, micro, chem) is a 3.8, and my combined GPA is a 3.6.

Hoping the overall GPA won't even be an issue since most CRNA programs only look at the last 60, combined, and sciences.

2) One of my instructors told me that the job market for CRNAs is slowly decreasing,due to the number of students that are exiting the programs and entering the workforce. And that I will likely need to be willing to relocate.

I don't feel like my NICU experience (in lieu of cardiac or trauma/burn) will be a hindrance to my eligibility due to the number of patients that have co-morbid traumatic injuries, are being ventilated, and are on cardiac drips.

Any thoughts/suggestions? Thanks in advance for your time! :)

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my 2 primary concerns with being accepted into a crna program are: 1) gpa, and 2) the prospective job market for crnas.

1) my overall gpa is above a 3.0, but not as high as i would like (due to some poor decisions during my freshman year). that being said, my last 60 hours gpa is around a 3.4, my required sciences gpa (a&p 1 & 2, micro, chem) is a 3.8, and my combined gpa is a 3.6.

hoping the overall gpa won't even be an issue since most crna programs only look at the last 60, combined, and sciences.

you can always beef up your gpa by taking additional sciences, esp at the grad level-they like to see that you can handle the work (physiology, pathophys, biochem, ochem, etc).

2) one of my instructors told me that the job market for crnas is slowly decreasing,due to the number of students that are exiting the programs and entering the workforce. and that i will likely need to be willing to relocate.

this can true depending on where you live-from what i have read, if you have a bunch of schools cranking out crnas, then it might be difficult to find a job, and you might have to travel or move to get one. you should be able to check gaswork and your local hosp and anesth groups to see what the openings look like now and keep an eye to see how they change over the next year or two as you are working toward applying.

during your time getting experience you can also look at other advance pract roles and see if there is something else you would like to do in case you feel that crna would be unobtainable or difficulty in finding work where you are...altho if that's what you want to do then i bet you will do anything to get into school and go where you have to for a job.

good luck!

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Absolutely! This definitely wasn't an overnight decision. It's been my dream to become a CRNA for about 6 years now. I live in Birmingham, Alabama and there are two CRNA schools here (UAB and Samford). Which in a way is good, because I have a better chance of not having to pay out of state tuition. Anyways, she was probably talking about the market here in Bham. Thank you for your advice! Much appreciated!

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Specializes in LTC and School Health.

NICU is neonatal ICU. Be sure you don't write "NICU" when you really mean neuro ICU.

I'm currently a new grad RN in CVICU. I've been there for a month so far and have learned so much. Many of my co-workers are doing the same route as you.

I think you will be just fine. Good luck .

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Hi there! Thank you for the wishes.

Here at UAB, the neonatal ICU is actually the RNICU (regional neonatal ICU), and the neuro ICU is NICU. My apologies, I should have clarified that!

Congratulations on the job in CVICU!

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Specializes in Neurosurgical ICU.

The NICU experience will be fine if your unit is high acuity or receives TBI's. the graduate credits should pull up your GPA significantly. Personally, I wouldn't trust what a non-CRNA has to say about the job market situation. Even some CRNA's misrepresent it. Anesthesia is needed all over this country and will always be in demand. If it weren't, anesthesia assistants would not have been created. Everyone who graduates from my program gets a job. You just have to be willing to travel or move for one. Good luck and enjoy the ride!

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The unit does receive TBIs.. a lot of MVCs, I've seen several gunshot wounds to the head, etc.

I am also applying at 2 CVICUs to keep my options open (I love neuro, but I also have a strong interest in the CV system). And perhaps an SICU.

That's a good point. I am definitely willing to relocate, as long as I stay in the Southeast.

Thanks for your input. I appreciate it!

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In addition to that, the program that I am applying for allows students to take a graduate-level research course that actually counts towards the required credits in the CRNA program. I plan on taking that one, organic chemistry, and advanced patho.

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Specializes in Neurosurgical ICU.

With that kind of patient population, you should certainly get enough exp with vasoactive gtt and things of that nature. Good luck on the CV ICU, just be careful with the contracts they'll make you sign. Some hospitals will tie you down for 2 years or you have to pay $18,000 to break the contract!

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I'll definitely watch out for that! I'm planning on saving a chunk of my check each month so I don't have to borrow as much money when it comes time to stop working & begin the program. Certainly won't want to put a dent in that!

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