SICU or CVICU?

[kiki9095]

I am trying to decide between two jobs. My ultimate goal is CRNA. The first job is in a large bed hospital on CVICU. In addition to the usual stuff, they recover the transplants (including heart). The second job is in a medium hospital on SICU. It is a general SICU that gets all trauma, neuro, and, of course, surgery pts. With the SICU position I would also eventually probably be trained for their CVICU. No major organ transplants done at this hospital. Both hospitals are Level 1. I really want to pick the best start towards CRNA school one day. THANKS for your advice!!

[TexasCCRN]

I say go with the SICU, esp if you will get to train for CVICU as well. I worked at a hospital and started out in ICU...started crosstraining with cvicu and ended up doing both. I have no transplant experience. If you go strictly CVICU you may end up being short sided. I have seen a lot of CV nurses who can't function in a regular ICU because they are so focused on CV they forget about the other components of the patient. Look at it this way. If you choose the SICU you can't go wrong because you will get the CV experience as well. If you are only going to be there a year or 2 you will get lots of good experience. Good Luck with the decision.

[apaisRN, RN, CRNA]

Sounds like you can't go wrong. Either way it's a busy ICU with very sick patients. What do you think you'll like more?

[kiki9095]

I think things like level one and being a teaching institution make a difference in the long run, but what about working at a "big name" facility, working at a place with new vs. old equipment, and getting a longer orientation?

[RN05]

I had to make a similar choice and went with SICU because of the variety/well-rounded nurse like several people already posted.

It answer to your questions...I would imagine a longer orientation will be a plus. I know I am new and just starting my long path to CRNA one day, but my hospital has a longer orientation then many others and I do think it is a plus.

I don't know about the "benefit of a big name hospital" or "old or new equipment" you mentioned. I would guess the big name probably would have some influence, but maybe it is the quality of your experience if you can get that at the lesser known place that still sounds like a great choice. Maybe some of our more experienced members can help you out with these questions.

Good luck.