medulla

Hey, I was in your same boat. I have always wanted to be a CRNA and worked very hard at getting myself in position to become one. Its difficult when the doors to an ICU aren't opened to you because you are a new grad and the managers don't know you because you weren't a CNA on the floor or unit clerk or some other ancillary position that seemed to help new grads get hired over me, grrrr. Anyway I ended up taking a job in a Telemetry step down unit, as a new grad, and it was a great experience. Don't let anyone tell you it is a waste of time to gain experience on a tele unit because quite frankly new grads need to learn how to time manage and develop tasking/technical skills before learning everything required to be an effective ICU nurse, in my opinion. I worked in a tele unit for two years and I learned a lot. Then I got a job in a CVICU, worked there for a year, applied to CRNA school and got accepted all at the age of 23. So the experience gained on a tele unit will make you more comfortable in an ICU and will help the transition to CRNA school. But I only know what worked for me. Do whatever you like.

I have an interview there March 1st, Let me know how it went