Out of the ICU, can I still apply?

[AspiringCRNA22, BSN]

Okay, so, as the title says i have been out of the ICU for about 10 months now.

I worked in a busy 24 bed Surgical ICU for one year and two months. We recovered post op CABG, TAVR, lobectomy, thrombectomy, IVOR Lewis, GI surgeries, you name it. We also got alot of cardiac patients STEMIs ect, a little bit of everything except neuro. I gained a great amount of experience there but ultimately decided to leave for staffing ratios and pure burn out.

So I am currently in the Cath Lab loving what I do. I feel like I have gained a better understanding of hemodynamics (pressure within the heart) and EKG's by working here, which is great but recently I have been feeling the need of wanting more out of my career and CRNA has always been in the back of my mind so I decided to pursue it.

I have applied to two schools so far. My question to you all is, do you think I will even have a change at getting into a program with not currently being in the ICU? Should I go back?

My stats are: GPA 3.5, CCRN, ACLS, 12 shadowing hours

[BigPappaCRNA]

Leaving the ICU for a position like the cath lab would be fine, if you had more time in. But, 1 year and 2 months is just not enough time. Period. No matter what else you are learning in the cath lab, it is just not the same. Now having said that, one of the large puppy mills might accept you, because they have nothing to loose, but you would have to ask yourself why they would accept you in the first place?

Not trying to be harsh, but you need more ICU time. Period. There is no possible way you learned all there was to know in those 14 months. No possible way you were in expert in all things surgical ICU. You need to do things not to just get accepted to a program, but you need to do things that will give you the best base for your new career.

Good Luck.

[AspiringCRNA22, BSN]

Thank you for your response, after lots of consideration I have decided to return to my job in the Surgical ICU. I still plan to apply this year because that will give me over two years of full time experience in the SICU before start (if I get accepted of course). Like you said, I believe getting back in the icu will give me a better base for my new career (fingers crossed).

Do you think I will have a better chance of getting into a school now that I’m going back to the icu?

[loveanesthesia]

9 hours ago, AspiringCRNA22 said:

Thank you for your response, after lots of consideration I have decided to return to my job in the Surgical ICU. I still plan to apply this year because that will give me over two years of full time experience in the SICU before start (if I get accepted of course). Like you said, I believe getting back in the icu will give me a better base for my new career (fingers crossed).

Do you think I will have a better chance of getting into a school now that I’m going back to the icu?

Absolutely you have a better chance of acceptance. And more importantly, a better chance of being an outstanding CRNA. Kudos to you!!