RN-CRNA?

Gotta be a RN/BSN first.

I know, as well as have atleast 1 year of ICU experience, just was curious if anyone else gave it thought.

I left the OR after a few years to got to ICU while completing my BSN. I worked at the bedside in my second job while I was a PT OR nurse and a couple CRNA's I was close to encouraged me to consider anesthesia. I was resistant for a while but then decided to think about it. Gotta finish my BSN and while my family gets a bit older, then, hopefully, I'll get into a CRNA school while it's still an MSN program. Looking forward to getting back into the OR!

I have also worked with RN's who said they were thinking about it but never took the necessary steps- either leaving the OR for ICU exp or finishing their BSN's.

HELLO ALL,

I am also at the same crossroads in my career and would like to know what the transition was like for you xingtheBBB (and others) from OR to ICU.

I have 2years experience in a pediatric OR, and like you have had a few of the CRNA's and doc's alike encourage me to pursue CRNA because of my peeked interest about whats going on at the head of the Bed:). With all that said I am scared out of my mind to make this leap, as I feel I have lost a lot of my skills from nursing school. Would the ICU expect me to hit the ground running or will I be treated as if I were a new rn?

I was not expected to hit the ground running... even though I had peds, M/S, and home care vent/trach exp prior to the OR and per-diem while in the OR. I still went through a long orientation (it's hard to say how long since I was PT. Longer than an exp ICU nurse, shorter than a new grad.) and ECCO program (Essentials of Critical Care Orientation, hosted online by AACN)

Anybody off the street can learn the skills. You're an RN and you work along CRNA's now so you'll pick up on the whys and the whens. Ask questions about the pressors and other meds used at the head of the bed until you get a position. Why do they think Levo and Neo didn't work but Epi is? Why do they think the pt needed so many blood products when there wasn't a lot of blood in the field? What sedatives are in their orificenal and why? What NMBA do they like to paralyze and why? (You'll be using a select few chosen by your ICU but it's good to be aware of the different ones, peak and onset, etc.) While you're at it... get them to really teach you about the train-of-four. You'll end up teaching the ICU nurses! If you're not in a room but you want to give the schedule a nudge (like in the evening) offer to start some IV's. It's better to get comfy with that with healthy holding pts then hypotensive ICU pts!

Nope, don't want to do it. I love circulating! If I get more schooling, it would be to get my PhD and become an educator/professor.

I have heard also that an OR nurse is a good job without a lot of stress. Is that true at most hospitals or just some? Most people I know seem to like it.....it can't be that bad. all the patients end up asleep and can't talk anymore! You only have to help work them up for the prep and then they are asleep!

I have heard also that an OR nurse is a good job without a lot of stress. Is that true at most hospitals or just some? Most people I know seem to like it.....it can't be that bad. all the patients end up gand can't talk anymore! You only have to help work them up for the prep and then they are asleep![/

Wow! Thanks @tryingtopass for informing me of my job description! Now I can forget the other million task, AORN & my employer expect of me!

HELLO ALL,

I am also at the same crossroads in my career and would like to know what the transition was like for you xingtheBBB (and others) from OR to ICU.

I have 2years experience in a pediatric OR, and like you have had a few of the CRNA's and doc's alike encourage me to pursue CRNA because of my peeked interest about whats going on at the head of the Bed:). With all that said I am scared out of my mind to make this leap, as I feel I have lost a lot of my skills from nursing school. Would the ICU expect me to hit the ground running or will I be treated as if I were a new rn?

*** We have had several OR nurses come to work in our ICU. Except for general hospital orientation they go through the exact same training as new grads.

I have heard also that an OR nurse is a good job without a lot of stress. Is that true at most hospitals or just some? Most people I know seem to like it.....it can't be that bad. all the patients end up asleep and can't talk anymore! You only have to help work them up for the prep and then they are asleep!

Hurray for comic relief! Thanks for the laugh!

[Wiping tears of hysterical laughter from my eyes] A good job w/o a lot of stress?????? Someone is pulling your leg!!!!!! It can't be that bad????????? Ohhhhhh- thanks for the great laugh. You should shadow an OR nurse for one day- you'll see how much stress there is!