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!

[guest769224]

I completely see all of the points being made here, and from a managerial standpoint I understand, but I find the whole notion petty.

How is it petty?

Nurse managers have good reason to be wary of those that enter the ICU for required experience, then buzz away to CRNA school, wasting the thousands of dollars invested in their education.

[kddannemiller]

I wish you nothing but the best!

[jamisaurus]

I'm a staff RN in the ICU. when a brand new tech or nurse tells me they want to go to CRNA school, my eyes roll into the back of my head and I have a difficult time wanting to get to know them because they'll be gone soon anyways after we're used for the experience. Just focus on becoming an RN first, then a good ICU RN, then you can think about CRNA school. I just feel like people get way ahead of themselves and focus only on the end game. ICU is NOT easy for a new grad and is one of the most challenging areas to start in. Jump that hurdle first.

[Wayne876]

Very good advice, trust me I'm putting forth a lot of effort in my current edu. I will certainly take my career choices to the grave, or better yet to the academy. lol. But Im just a firm believer in the "piss poor planning" theory.

[ChipNurse]

I would worry about getting through nursing school before you even think about CRNA school. You need 2 years experience as an RN in the ICU even to be considered for CRNA school, plus some schools require CCRN certification as well. CRNA schools are extremely competetive, as everyone and their mother wants to be CRNA due to the money, so Cs will not cut it. You will need to work on your GPA. Good luck.