Rotating ICU or Specialized Unit (CVICU)

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Specializes in 1000 years of Hard Knocks.

I'm looking into two different job prospects.  One hospital is offering a "rotating position" where you would learn/experience their cardiac/neuro/respiratory ICUs. The other is offering only a speciality of cardiac ICU.  

Has anyone had the experience with a rotating ICU to help me understand if this would be a wise decision or not?  I love learning about many things, so on the surface this sounds amazing.  I am stuck on deciding because the CVICU is what I originally wanted and it is with a large university/academic hospital.   The rotating one is in a large hospital system.     

I can see benefits to both, but have experience in neither situations.  Is "rotating" just code for overworking you, or do I limit myself by only doing CVICU.  I am keeping DNAP/CRNA in my sight too, so is one better than another?

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Specializes in ICU.

I do believe that most CRNA schools prefer CVICU, even though they will tell you they do not. However, I do believe there is a huge benefit to having more knowledge than just CVICU. I worked in a Trauma ICU/MICU then transitioned to a CVICU, and I believe both experiences helped me greatly.

In a perfect world - I think you should obtain your Float ICU experience first and then go to CVICU. Do float ICU for 2-3 years than transition to CVICU - so you would be the best candidate for CRNA schools in your area - if that is something you're very interested in.

Hope this helps ?

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Specializes in 1000 years of Hard Knocks.
Nurse Alexa said:

I do believe that most CRNA schools prefer CVICU, even though they will tell you they do not. However, I do believe there is a huge benefit to having more knowledge than just CVICU. I worked in a Trauma ICU/MICU then transitioned to a CVICU, and I believe both experiences helped me greatly.

In a perfect world - I think you should obtain your Float ICU experience first and then go to CVICU. Do float ICU for 2-3 years than transition to CVICU - so you would be the best candidate for CRNA schools in your area - if that is something you're very interested in.

Hope this helps ?

Thank you!  It gives me good insight. I appreciate it!

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