SK23

I have been working on a medical step-down unit for a little over a year, and just saw a position open up on our CTICU. My original plan was to wait at least another 4 months to start looking (mostly out of courtesy to my current manager), but these positions don't open up frequently and I feel that I should at least try applying. The position requirements are at least one year of critical care experience. My unit is officially considered a critical care unit, and while we don't titrate drips, I do have quite a bit of experience with vented patients. I know..... I don't know everything, but I'm sharp, hardworking, and intellectually curious. Plus, my learning curve on my unit has slowed down so much, that I don't think another 4-8 months would give me that much more, aside from an extra code or two. I have become bored on my unit, and while I do like it, Im itching to move on to my goal of working in an ICU. I feel that I know the basics, and I can perfect my critical training in a faster paced learning environment. In my head, my worst case scenario is that I won't even get considered, so need a confidence boost or valuable advice and insight from CTICU nurses on the subject. Do I have a shot?

I have been thinking about pursuing Master's level degree as a CRNA since before I started nursing school. The original plan was to excel in BSN, get into an ICU, do the minimum required experience and apply. Of course, things in life don't always line up the way they do in our heads, and, while I did excel in nursing school, I chose a medical step-down position at a great Trauma I teaching hospital in the city instead of an ICU position at a small community hospital. With that said, it has now been a little over a year in my medical step-down, and I am ready to start applying to ICUs. I have taken a more relaxed approach towards life, and truly enjoyed my last year on this unit with vented patients. I am, however, feeling less challenged every day by my step-down patients and the clinical scenarios I'm presented with and craving excitement, more responsibility, and challenging cases. I am still strongly considering CRNA school, which is why I'm asking for advice on this forum. Right now, there are two positions available at my hospital: MICU and CTICU. I have not applied yet, but assuming I get the job, which position am I better off pursuing keeping my CRNA goals in mind? I am torn, because whichever direction I go with, I would like to stay there for a while, and I want to really love it. On a different note, should I wait for a SICU opening? In the event I do decide to pursue CRNA, I would like to be best prepared and also appear as a desirable candicate to the school. I would love to hear from MICU or CTICU nurses about the benefits/downsides of each unit and why it may better prepare me for graduate level education. Any insight into my dilemma would be greatly appreciated!

I completely understand your pull toward financial stability, and, quite frankly, see nothing wrong with it, given that wage #3 is almost twice the amount wage #2! Remember this: your first job is not your last job. If you have an interest in corrections - all the better. I know this probably goes against what many people on here would recommend, but - Emergency Departments will always be there. You are a new grad accepted into the ED now, and you may be a "new grad" a year later accepted into the ED - you would not be losing anything by accepting the third option.

I applied to the August 2012 GEMS program as well. It is now May 4th and I still haven't heard from anyone. Has anyone heard from them? I believe I have top-notch credentials for a new grad, so I am a little surprised they have not called me.