**Should I switch hospitals for better experience??**

Nursing Students SRNA

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Hello all! :)

Right now, I am working in a level 3 Med/Surg ICU. We do get acute patients, but not really acute. I hardly ever get a swanz or ICP monitoring. I have the opportunity to get a job at a level 1 trauma unit that has like 7 different ICUs. It's a large teaching facility. My question is, should I just try to go work over there?? Thanks for stopping by! :)

Future

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency.
Hello all! :)

Right now, I am working in a level 3 Med/Surg ICU. We do get acute patients, but not really acute. I hardly ever get a swanz or ICP monitoring. I have the opportunity to get a job at a level 1 trauma unit that has like 7 different ICUs. It's a large teaching facility. My question is, should I just try to go work over there?? Thanks for stopping by! :)

Future

sounds like your current experience is somewhat limiting.

it's ok to not have great experience with swans or ICPs.

what's important is the sickest patients with many

vasoactive drips. swans will come and go for the most part,

especially if you don't work in a CVICU (post CABG unit).

knowing swan numbers and the reasoning behind it is

really what's important. ICP, well, you can take it or leave it.

you won't be putting them in as a CRNA, so just basically

know what's too high/too low. the rest, you will learn.

so, my advice is it sounds like you have a great opportunity,

which i would choose. the experience is a great factor that ad-coms

like to see. i did similar, i moved 240 miles from hometown to NYC

to get better experience in a SICU. worked for me.

good luck-

p.s. get your CCRN - great for hemodynamics/physiology/pharmacology..

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Specializes in NICU, CVICU.

How soon are you planning to apply for school? Do you already have references lined up from your current job?

Yes, the experience at the Level I teaching hospital with 7 ICUs would no doubt help you prepare for the application process and you would be exposed to so much more...

If you plan on waiting a little while before applying, I'd say move to the other hospital and work there long enough to get good experience and good references.

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Specializes in Trauma ER and ICU...SRNA now.

I would definitely look into it. If your goal is CRNA than a busier ICU will definitely help you in the application process. Plus, it's a good answer to the typical interview question "what have you done to prepare yourself?" But, make sure you will be happy there. How does this other hospital feel when you interview? Are the nurses happy? How are the benfits? Look at the whole package.

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I know that the level of ICU you work in can make you more or less competitive when you apply. What you unit you work in isn't necessarily the issue. As a neuro ICU nurse in a trauma center I was exposed to swans ALL THE TIME, and I mean all the time, ICP's, BIZ, BIO-Z, CRRT, etc. The only mechanical device we didn't use was the balloon pump & I'm pretty sure I won't be dealing with them as a CRNA! Find a unit you love that is BUSY, and while there take on the sickest & most challenging patients, research their dx & treatments, etc. Get your CCRN (not always required, but again makes you more competitive) and keep focused on your goal!

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Specializes in trauma ICU,TNCC, NRP, PALS, ACLS.

I am in the same boat as you. so did u decide to switch?

Hello all! :)

Right now, I am working in a level 3 Med/Surg ICU. We do get acute patients, but not really acute. I hardly ever get a swanz or ICP monitoring. I have the opportunity to get a job at a level 1 trauma unit that has like 7 different ICUs. It's a large teaching facility. My question is, should I just try to go work over there?? Thanks for stopping by! :)

Future

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