New Rn to future CRNA...best first job decision

[RN980]

Hi there everyone! So, here's my situation and it may seem pretty crazy but any help would mean a lot! I am a new grad RN who aspires to become a CRNA. As a new grad, starting off in the ICU to gain CRNA experience isn't in the books at the moment. I will have to work on a step down unit at either of the two hospitals I am applying to before transferring to an ICU within the hospital. Both hospitals are trauma 1. At one I was offered a position on the neuro step down unit, on the other hand, the second hospital I was offered a position on a cardiac or medical PCU. Both great floors and both great hospitals. I feel most familiar with the neuro step down hospital because I had clinicals there but it is also about 40 minutes from home, the PCU one is 15 min. I just don't know which route to take, I don't know which hospital to gain experience from and present to potential CRNA schools. Any advice would truly help!

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

My cardiac surgery ICU seems to be the feeder unit for CRNA schools. The many new grads who stop through here on the "two year plan" (meaning they'll give notice as soon as they're accepted into a CRNA program) have told me that cardiac surgery is the best experience -- you get experience with lines, drips, etc. Keep your mind open; you may find that you actually like nursing.