milian7

Hi All, I have been an RN for a little over a year now, working in a CTICU. I have already been accepted into a CRNA program to start in 2 years, and with that news comes that point where I am thinking about this career path even harder. When something goes wrong with my patient, I feel like I have that moment of "oh sh#t" in my head, immediately feel my HR and BP soar, and if it's real bad, my hands get a bit shaky. I am able to take the actions I need to, but I am worried about this response to a crisis. I have read mixed thoughts in the threads here, that it takes time to adjust, and to some extent, this reaction may never completely go away. Others say it is a sign that you will be highly uncomfortable in an anesthesia environment. I have shadowed, but it is tough to place yourself in the provider's exact shoes and truly feel as you may feel if that was you. Looking for advice from those who may have gone through these feelings or know those who did... or who just know their career well - is this normal? Will I adjust, or should I be re-considering this path. Thank you!!!!

hi love-d-OR: sorry if I presented my timeline confusing, I know I have to work in ICU, that's why I'm an extern in one already, set to graduate in May and hopeful on continuing to work there (lev 1 trauma center.. intense patients) or else another ICU. I meant that I would like to work ambulatory as a CRNA. I just meant that I already know that resp. secretions are my least favorite body fluid, and that I can make it through 2 years ICU work to get to my dream, but I don't think I could handle dealing with them every day like 12 times a shift like I do in the ICU... like you pointed out at the end, as long as it's not to the full extent of the ICU, I don't think it's worth it to give up the dream to BryanCRNA: Your reply made me so happy, thanks for sharing. Makes me feel good to know that there is a practicing CRNA who feels the same. If you can do it, I can do it, right? =)

I am pretty sure that what I am about to say are the tiniest reasons not to become a CRNA. Overall, I think the job suits me wonderfully and I think the whole concept is so fascinating. I am an extern in a SICU now, and I have to say that I love watching the critical thought process and the titrations; I enjoy the drug and assessment part, not so much the code brown part, or the "bedside" aspect to the nursing... and recently I've noticed I have quite the aversion to those real purulent respiratory secretions!!! I just absolutely gag when suctioning a patient with those thick, yellow, foul smelling secretions and hate when it gets coughed out a trach! That being said.. God willing I become a CRNA, I would plan on working more of an ambulatory setting where I am anticipating most patients would not be having such thick secretions; even hospital setting, I'm sure most patients except for those who are leaving ICU for another operation are not that bad. I don't mind the saliva or anything, and I did shadow a CRNA and did not notice anything "bad" (and also loved the day and thought it flew by!!)... Can anyone just help me out here, will this be an issue for me?

oh man, that is discouraging... i had thought about PICU but many of the schools I am interested in do not accept PICU as experience

I am finishing up my BSN this year, set to graduate in May. I did an externship in an ICU this summer and was planning on doing my last clinical in the neonatal ICU... I just am more drawn to helping out the little babies. I know that SICU/CVICU is really preferred experience, and that I could get into school quickest with that type of experience. But my heart is really with helping out the little ones... for anyone who got into CRNA school with NICU experience, how many years did you have when you applied?? (or, if anyone can share stories of classmates they know that works too!) I'm just wondering if it is possible to get in with 2 years, because that is the amount I would aim to work in an adult ICU before starting the program. Thanks for any answers with your very busy lives!!!!

hey MoLee, I know this is an old thread now but I thought you might see the message that I posted anyway. What did you decide to do? You sound exactly like me. I'm graduating this May, soon to be choosing my last clinical rotation and I want to do NICU because I feel like I will love it there. I did SICU/MICU/trauma ICU this summer.. but I just LOVE the feeling of helping those little babies. Like you said, I feel like working there the time will fly, working with the adults it will go a bit slower and maybe with a bit more bad days in there... just curious what you chose to do! I know you wouldn't have applied or heard from any anesthesia schools yet but I'm still interested! Thanks!!

i think one specialty i may love to eventually get involved in is cardiac rehab.. i love wellness and teaching people all about such life habits. i have been looking at job postings, but do not see any ads for nurse practitioners in this setting? are NPs used in cardiac rehab facilities?? any experience with people here, and if so, what did you typically do?? thanks!!

I was wondering if anyone could tell me different hospital's policies on call.. Are most of you obligated to take it? Are there often certain nurses who want the extra money and volunteer to take the call? Overall.. on average how often can you expect to be called in per month (amount of hours or days.. whatever is easiest!) Thank you!

I have a question for all those who entered the ICU knowing you planned on leaving soon to begin CRNA school (once accepted of course!). How did you approach this at your interview for your job at the hospital? Did you tell them you plan on leaving within a year or two to go on to CRNA school, and risk that they would not take you? Or, did you act as though your plans were to stay and then suddenly one day just ask for a recommendation letter? Any tips on how to handle the "what does your future look like" type of questions??? Thanks all!!

amen "mrshouse"!!!!!! i am in near the same place as above poster.. i DID start nursing school to become a CRNA, not remain a RN.. and I appreciate the support of people who actually answer the question rather than question motives! a big thank you to all who are a great help on these boards!!!!!!!

Thank you everyone! Your replies were all helpful in their own way. I do genuinely enjoy making someone comfortable and I have left work the happiest person alive some day when a patient has truly been more comfortable and let me know that they are and that I have made a difference to them, or I know that I have done something truly valued for them. I find it hard to care for some of the people sometimes, but I'm not yet totally jaded taking care of drunk drivers.. etc.. I hope this time it WILL be their wake up call. I have hope for them, and I think anesthesia is great to get them through whatever major or minor surgery, and hopefully, give them new hope for whatever fresh start they have gotten (after all that recovery, of course!) I just hope that I can get all the positives (or close to, I know nothing is perfect) out of my patient relationship, rather than being there long enough to see them hate the healthcare system, complain of this and that, need a bed-bath, linen change, peri-care... It's the "human housekeeping" I like to call it that I know is necessary, but frankly I don't want to be a large part of my job description. I have given serious thought to both medical school and changing courses however, all doctors I have spoken to suggested CRNA as a way to start life earlier, and general better quality of life. I agree. Like I said, I am hoping this is the area where I can find a blend of all I am looking for. If however I find it is not... I may pursue a MBA and go that route... I just don't want to give up when I'm this close to graduating nursing school. I've got to at least give it a shot. It was great to hear that I am not alone in this as well.. it makes me more sure that I can find happiness in this! Thank you again!

I have heard that CVICU is the best place to get experience... I was wondering if CCU ever counts as well ???

Hi all! I am going to be a senior in nursing school, I entered the nursing field to become a nurse anesthetist in the long run... my other choice was a PA in surgery. While in school for nursing, I have to say, I'm a little freaked out on the whole that the typical floor nursing just... well, doesn't cut it for me. No offense to any of the wonderful nurses who do it, but I cannot keep a smile on my face through the demands of the patient and family, and feel as though so many of the things I'm asked/required to do are an insult to the extent of my education (as well as the cost of it !!! ) I love the anatomy of the human body and knowing how processes within it go on, I really like the sciences relating to health in that aspect. I do not so much care for all of the "softer" nursing diagnosis type things. I am now working on a SICU for my externship and I like it there much better, so it has given me hope. What I am wondering is, were there any of you out there that felt this way? I'm hoping and praying that I will like being a CRNA (and yes, I have shadowed one, but knowing what to do is different than knowing exactly how it feels!!) as right now well, I feel I am just getting through all of this with my hope upon becoming a CRNA.. In case you're wondering, it appeals to me so much because it is SO science based, more known without as much of an involvement of the person's emotions, but I still get some pieces of that in making them calm and to trust in me before surgery. I like the challenge it poses and the careful monitoring and watching for something to go wrong, and then, forbid something does, having to work under pressure yet remain calm. I do feel that I am suited towards this career as a good balance of helping people and having an impact... without so much having to be their beck and call servant. Any thoughts / anyone felt like this before?? One other question: I believe I remember hearing CRNA's have to recertify every 2 years... through a test and a certain number of hours of outside learning, is that correct? Are there a certain minimum amount of hours you must work each year in addition to those requirements? Thank you all for any insight!!