Nurse Tech in ICU

[Wayne876]

I am a level II nursing student, aspiring CRNA, and I am trying to land a nurse tech job in an ICU setting, preferably SICU. What are some ways to make myself stand out and to aggressively pursue a position when positions may not be open so that I am first pick when they do? These job are somewhat hard to come by.

Also, if anyone has some advice on becoming a better applicant for CRNA school, I would be very appreciative. I have made As in my Anatomy & Physiology I & II courses, A in microbio but a C in lab, B in chemistry but a C in lab. B in statistics and calculus. Though in nursing school my gpa has dropped. I do plan on taking extra classes during the summer to boost my GPA though. Im scheduled to get by ACLS, BLS, PALS certifications this summer for a very low combined deal. Im working on trying to shadow a CRNA as well. But I still feel that i'm missing something, and it's driving me crazy!

[kddannemiller]

Wayne, I originally applied for a night shift PCU US, but when I got in for the face-to-face interview I expressed that I was open to other shifts, units, more job titles, etc. My manager was over both the cardiac PCU and the ICU (it was a 16 bed ICU, the hospital was brand new and wasn't big enough to specialize their critical care yet, so we were CVICU, SICU, MICU, neuro, trauma) and after a month and a half she promoted me to ICU.

You're right that getting your foot in the door is the hardest part. I would use any connections I have (make sure you get awesome letters of rec) to get any type of hospital job doing something you can tolerate, and once you've established a good work ethic and relationships, stick your feelers out and express interest in the SICU. Bonus if you can find a position where the manager of the SICU is over another unit and you get hired on there.

[ArmaniX, MSN, APRN]

Don't mention your goal of becoming a crna.

[Wayne876]

Funny, this is the second time I've heard this... Im definitely NEVER going to do it but why is mentioning this taboo?

[Wayne876]

Wow! That's awesome that you were able to move in that fast! Thank you for your advice, Im currently contacting everyone I know to at least get a position at either one of the hospitals in my city. Worst case scenario, I'll have to work any available unit, possibly without the luxury of me liking it for six months-1yr until an ICU position opens up! But thank you again, this lets me know that I am at least on the right track.

[SubSippi]

Funny, this is the second time I've heard this... Im definitely NEVER going to do it but why is mentioning this taboo?

Because it makes it sound like you're just using the SICU as a stepping stone, and don't plan to be there long.

It's expensive to train new hires, so managers are looking for people they think will stick around a while.

[AspiringNurseMW]

Because it makes it sound like you're just using the SICU as a stepping stone, and don't plan to be there long.

It's expensive to train new hires, so managers are looking for people they think will stick around a while.

But this is a nurse tech position not a new grad position

[SubSippi]

But this is a nurse tech position not a new grad position

Oops...

I don't think it matters then.

[Wayne876]

I totally get that. But either way, thank you for that insight!

[jamisaurus]

But this is a nurse tech position not a new grad position

Doesn't matter, when it comes time for the SICU to hire him once he is a RN with a degree, someone will remember how he said he wants to be a CRNA and think twice.

Keep it to yourself, OP.

[guest769224]

Agree with above. Keep your lips sealed.

I am an ICU tech in a SICU.

Do you have any tech experience? Maybe go introduce yourself to management and ask when they will post an opening.

Just curious, what makes you aspire to be a CRNA? Most people have $ signs in their eyes.

[Wayne876]

I completely see all of the points being made here, and from a managerial standpoint I understand, but I find the whole notion petty. But that's neither here or there. So far I haven't mentioned it but but the cool thing is that the hospital that I want to work at is connected to the CRNA school which allow your to work PRN during your down period which would be the first 2 semesters that include theory work. That's a blessing. Once I become a CRNA I also want to continue working as a RN as well in the SIC, so they wouldn't really lose an employee! If they ever get word of me wanting to be a CRNA, this will be my case to plead.

An I am currently a CNA, all of my managers, DON, and nursing staff know that I am qualified to be a Nurse Tech so they allow me a little more autonomy in my workplace. I work at a private Neuro and Spine hospital btw, so its mostly a lot of med surge practice in that they accept patients with chronic and acute conditions that require special care and rehblitation. That plus my clinical experience and shadowing I believe has given me plenty of experience but with a whooooole lot of room to learn.

So far, I have visited the SICU floor and met with the nurse manager. We spoke briefly and i gave him a copy of my resume' and he gave me his card with contact information to send him a little more information on myself. I send him the information with an additional attached resume' and I am now awaiting his response.

And to be honest, Im somewhat of a chemistry and anatomy nerd and Ive found anesthetics to be some of the most interesting drugs created, simply just by their actions on the human body. Also, I've shadowed a few anesthetist and the job seemed so suited to my personal abilities, in making patients comfortable with the procedure, being vigilant in regaurds to watching vital signs and the patients condition. Holistically the career seem like something I can fall in love with and grow old doing. The money isn't bad either but Im plan on having a few sources of income so that's not really a determining factor. If it was I'de be on a medical school forum for Surgery lol!