PICU or Adult ICU

[healthxo33, BSN, RN]

Can someone explain to me what the CRNA curriculum is like once you get into school? I am not sure if I should work in a PICU or adult ICU. I have two years of NICU experience and recently accepted a job in the adult ICU. I am not passionate about working in the adult ICU, but want to know if the skills/knowledge would be more helpful once I am in CRNA school. Programs in my area do accept PICU experience so this is not an issue. I am worried that I will be behind the learning curve in clinicals/lecture classes since I am assuming most people with have adult ICU experience.

[bbnurseH]

Honestly, coming in with peds experience doesn't make it that much harder. Most of the curriculum is pretty new for everyone, so it feels like a pretty level playing field. I'd say that so long as the PICU has high acuity & autonomy for the nurses (titrating vasoactives, post-surgical patients, CVVH, etc.) don't force yourself to do adults if you don't want to.

[CRNA School Prep Academy]

bbnurseH said:

Honestly, coming in with peds experience doesn't make it that much harder. Most of the curriculum is pretty new for everyone, so it feels like a pretty level playing field. I'd say that so long as the PICU has high acuity & autonomy for the nurses (titrating vasoactives, post-surgical patients, CVVH, etc.) don't force yourself to do adults if you don't want to.

Great advice., bbnurseH!!

To the original poster-- just make sure that your desired program(s) say they "accept" PICU and not "on a case by case basis"; the latter is a tougher hill to climb when you're up against a competitive applicant pool that all have current (adult) ICU experience. 

Cheering you on!!