On the CRNA route, so which would be better to work: SICU or MICU?

GregRN · Mar 8, 2007

I worked in the MICU for about a year before switching to SICU a couple months ago. CRNA schools are happy with experience in either, with some having a slight preference toward SICU. In theory, in the SICU you'll get more experience with vents, vasoactive drips, etc., that will be drawn upon when in CRNA school. So far, however, all I've seen is more chest tubes and PCA's :rolleyes:

If you talk to people who are in CRNA school most will tell you that even with the increased experience with vasoactive drips, that's only a very small part of what you do in anesthesia. The biggest reason schools require ICU experience, that I've found, is that it teaches you to synthesize information from many different sources, compare it to the patient, and make decisions that will benefit the patient. Anesthesia is all about that.

CRNI-ICU20 · Mar 8, 2007

Go for the place that supports critical thinking skills....lots of intubation experience...vents....and IV gtts....

I would think a rotation in an ER-ICU-Trauma would be really good experience...because you would get good training and experience for what undoubtedly will come through the door one day and be in your hands...

I know some CRNA's from Mayo Clinic....they rotate all ICU's...and the ER....and all levels of trauma....they also do and L&D rotation to learn epidurals....just an idea...good luck to you!

meandragonbrett · Mar 8, 2007

I'd vote SICU for the simple reason of I prefer that patient population over MICU.

ready4crna? · Mar 9, 2007

Scrub-

I have worked both MICU and SICU along the east coast. Let me tell you as a successfull CRNA school applicant- As long as the unit you are working on supports a good orientation (with an AACN based curriculum) and has sick patients where you can apply that knowledge, you can't go wrong. The best CRNA schools (particularly mine:lol2: ) will require a working knowlege of hemodynamics but more importantly, a confidence that only comes from "trench time"- experience that comes from keeping your patient alive when it seems all they want to do is die.

cardiac.cure03 · Mar 16, 2007

I've heard CCU and CVICU experience is also helpful in your circumstance :)

Alexsys · Mar 17, 2007

I am going to be applying to CRNA school this fall. I have worked on both MICU and SICU and found that there are vents and vasoactive drips on both units. (I am current working on an MICU) I just think that the one thing that they look for is the amount of hours of critical care experience you have. I believe there is a minimum amount of hours required before you can apply MICU or SICU. As long as it is critical care.

Alexsys · Mar 17, 2007

Scrub-
I have worked both MICU and SICU along the east coast. Let me tell you as a successfull CRNA school applicant- As long as the unit you are working on supports a good orientation (with an AACN based curriculum) and has sick patients where you can apply that knowledge, you can't go wrong. The best CRNA schools (particularly mine:lol2: ) will require a working knowlege of hemodynamics but more importantly, a confidence that only comes from "trench time"- experience that comes from keeping your patient alive when it seems all they want to do is die.

I didnt see this post :) I agree wholeheartedly

CRNANUPE_2B · Mar 17, 2007

Does anyone know of any good ICU orientation programs at a hospital in Atlanta, Ga or surrounding areas? I am aware that Emory has one but I was trying to see about others in the area. I am really interested in programs that follow the American Academy of Critical Care Nursing. Thanks ...........

TREBORICUNURSE · Mar 20, 2007

My vote goes to SICU!