PICU/NICU experience

[HididiScribbler]

I know that CRNA programs require at least a year of ICU experience. I am very interested in working in a PICU or NICU, however. Is that too specialized, though? Would it hurt my chances of getting into a CRNA program if I only have experience with pediatric patients?

[LIZPICURN]

I myself have been a PICU nurse and have just traditioned to a large adult ICU. I have been researching many CRNA programs. There are several programs that accept NICU/PICU experience. Yet, for the majority it appears that Adult ICU/CICU is what the majority of schools are asking for. With the schools that do accept the NICU/PICU experience, it appears that many schools still would prefer adults experience over the PICU and NICU. It makes sense, since the majority of the CRNA program is focusing on adult cases. I don't want to discourage you. I absolutely loved the PICU in which it has been one of my passions. And, once I feel settled in my unit, I may try to also have a prn job in a local PICU. Just some food for thought.

[WVUturtle514]

There is a student in my class who had nothing but PICU experience and she is definitely not up to par clinically as most of the other students. She said she has never seen a Swan before and she is not that familiar with reading EKG's or dealing with ventilators (and she worked in a VERY large PICU in Miami). I'm not saying that you don't get great experience in the PICU, but as far as getting lots of experience with ventilators, Swans, drips, etc.....I think you're far better off going with an adult ICU. While we have a rotation in peds, the majority of our clinicals are adult rotations, and they teach us everything we need for peds during our classes. Best of luck to you!!!!

[dfk, RN, CRNA]

after speaking with many directors of programs, most seem to say that an adult icu prepares u the best.. after working 2 1/2 yrs in one, i asked them if it would benefit me to go to a picu for additional experience, you know, to round out things.. they said that since i had a good amount of adult, that picu wouldn't hurt, for experience purposes.. but yea, it is considered specialized in the eyes of admissions.. most anyway.. adult is quite well-rounded and offers many things u will need in clinical that u just can't get from nicu/picu.. nicu/picu will however give u the edge during those specific clinical rotations.. good luck !

[druped]

Dont be discouraged, I have had strictly peds experience, applied to two schools and was accepted to both. Speaking with both program directors, I was told that they have been impressed with the students with similar backgrounds. Also, I have a friend that is now a junior, and is doing very well. Try to get into somewhere that uses a lot of gtts, vents, and look for a unit that offers many educational opportunities. Best of luck to you.

[Sevo]

If you have a open heart ICU (CVICU) it will prepare you for most any of the equipment that will be thrown at you in CRNA school. You will want swans, art lines, gtts, central lines, chest tubes, and a place where the unit runs your own codes.

Will NICU or PICU work??? sure.. but you may fall behind in some parts. It jsut helps to get you over those humps.

just my .02

[avlis]

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