New Grad with ICU options, which is best?

[savyj96]

Hello all!

So I am a new grad graduating from a nice program. I shadowed a CRNA in high school and knew that was what I wanted to do with nursing, and now that I am graduating with my BSN that is still my ultimate goal. I have been lucky enough to get more than one ICU offer, and I am wondering which one is best.

The first is a Surgical Trauma ICU (Which I know is a top type of unit for CRNA school). However, it's not a teaching hospital, and the name is not well known. Only reason I mention that is because I would like to go up north to Philly or NYC for for CRNA school, and I was wondering if hospital name recognition is a thing.

The second is a Neuro ICU at one of the best hospitals in the country. It is a teaching hospital and recognizable, but I have heard some people say Neuro ICU experience isn't the best for CRNA school experience.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

With respect, you don't really know for sure what you want to do until you've gotten some of that RN experience you need to get into anesthesia school. You might find that you love bedside nursing, are challenged by the ICU -- or that you really want to go into geriatrics.

For that first year of nursing experience, I'd recommend working in the unit that "feels" the best. It doesn't matter as much which specialty your pursue as it matters that you're in a good, supportive unit that prioritizes it's orientation of new grads and mentoring through the first year of nursing. Choose the unit that felt right to you -- maybe the staff is friendlier, the orientation program is better developed or the manager seems more nurse-friendly and willing to work with you. After you've worked at the bedside for a year or more, decide if you still believe that you want to go to anesthesia school.