Pierce_RN

Talk with your program director, let them know how you feel. You may be surprised, I left the OR the week I was suppose to finish a 3 month new grad orientation due to a dream ICU job offer. I felt the same way you did about circulating; loved the environment but felt I was loosing my nursing knowledge. I also felt the pull of anesthesia, and began badgering my CRNAs with questions. One of them noticed my interest and told me if I wanted to be behind the drape I had to get out of the OR and into the ICU. After that, I didn't feel guilty anymore about leaving - you have to do what makes you happy. Sure, you don't want to burn a bridge a I get that, but I'm sure your program doesn't want to spend two years of time and money training you for you to ultimately leave anyway. Take your valuable knowledge of the OR environment, go to ICU - learn everything you can while you're there, and get into CRNA school.

While the OP's title caught my attention, it was the experienced CRNAs who kept me reading. As an SRNA who will be beginning her clinicals this fall, all of the posts detailing your work experiences bring me so much excitement and pride. (I am chomping at the bit to start my hands on education!) I'm lucky to be in a program where I will have a great variety of experiences from performing various nerve blocks and spinal anesthesia to general anesthesia for same day to trauma/emergency cases and even some office anesthesia. My greatest hope is be able to start my career where I can use every aspect of my education and practice to the full extent of our scope of practice.

Thank you all for your advice! The unit I currently work for is very busy, and I have learned a lot the past year. I'm grateful to be in a place where I get to see so much, I love learning new things every day. By no means do I feel like I know everything - probably never will feel that way, but that is why I am nervous about traveling.

Hi! I am an ICU BSN RN with 1 year experience. I currently work in a non-specialized 42 bed ICU. I have experience from surgical, medical (maintaining CVVHD, septic), trauma, neuro (stroke, maintaining EVD), we also rotate into CCU so I have experience with temp pacers, transpacers, pa lines, balloon pumps. The only training I am lacking is in CVICU which I am hoping to start training on soon to make me well rounded, burns (which my facility doesn't take), and transplant. Our patient ratio is 2:1 at all times (unless immediate post op heart). Would I be wise to wait 1 more year before I start traveling? What's the best way to get started?

We have the same situation! I graduated in August, took boards that month and passed. I just had a second interview with an OR in my area last week, and I was selected this morning for the position of Circulating RN. I am so excited! They want me to start orientation on Monday 09/23/13(rush rush rush!). Congratulations on your job! Hopefully we will make great OR nurses :)

Congratulations! I am currently a Level 2 student in the William Carey's BSN program at the Hattiesburg Campus! I am sure you will love our program - the professors are so nice and so are the fellow classmates!

I found out two weeks ago I was put on the alternate list for UMC traditional nursing school program, TOTALLY bummed! I called their offices and spoke to someone who said UMC accepted 90 students with 30 more on the alternate list. I have no clue where I stand on that list, the woman I spoke to instructed me to call back in mid April to find out if they will even have to take any students from the list this year. (I guess putting all my eggs in 1 basket wasnt so smart) My next step is to gather as much info as I can on USM and MC. My GPA is a 3.2 overall and my ACT score is a 26. Grade wise, is this competitive enough to be able to get into these schools for their traditional programs? I am going to start applying right away. Any information would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!! :)