retrogression and CRNA

helloworld · Jun 29, 2008

If you're still in nursing school you could start looking for new grad positions in an ICU/CCU. Before I get contradicted, let me say that there are ICU's and CCUs that take new grads. Mine does. They hired me right out of school but I opted for an ER position.

Once you get the position you can use your one year OPT to get the required one year experience. In your application to CRNA school you can clarify that by the time you are ready to start the CRNA program you will have completed the one year experience.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jun 29, 2008

hi guys...
Are F1 Nursing students in the USA affected the same way by the retrogression in terms of acquiring legal status to work?? If so,... i was wondering about something....
The CRNA program requires that an applicant to have had a 1 year working experience in ICU/CCU. For those interested in this program, How is it possible that students under F1 status acquire this required job experience? (Since the retrogression will take years until people can legally work in the US)

Yes, doesn't matter where you trained as a foreign national the process is the same regarding work permit and depending where you are from depends on how long it will take. If you have chance of OPT then you could try to gain work experience in ICU/CCU

suzanne4, RN · Jun 30, 2008

Chances are that without having green card status or the TN Visa status, one will not get accepted to a program for the CRNA training. Have not seen one get in with any other type of status here, and most definitely not under the F-1.

Please also be aware that the majority that apply and get accepted have more than five years of actual work experience, it is rare to see one get in after only one year of ICU training.