Stats that got you in?

iLovemyJackRT · Oct 19, 2009

The best thing you can do is call schools you are interested in and ask. I would say apply with PICU experience and if that doesn't work switch to an adult ICU. Are adult ICU positions hard to get in your area?? If they are, then I'd say start looking now for a position.

Also, to take your CCRN you have to have 'adult' experience not peds experience. Peds has their own critical care certification.

clintcron · Oct 20, 2009

do they look at the peds certification to be equivalent ro do you know? I'm really confused as to where to turn. Most CRNA's I've spoken with has said to go ahead and change. I really don't want to unless I have to because I'm close to being past my required time. I appreciate your response, that helps me clarify some of the mysteries involved.

iLovemyJackRT · Oct 20, 2009

I'm pretty sure they are equivalent. Both critical care certs, just one for adults and one for peds. I mean, you could technically take the CCRN, but if you were randomly selected to be audited that wouldn't be good. I think the best thing to do is call schools and ask. I'm not sure what area you're in or if you'd be able to move, because I'm pretty sure there aren't too many schools that except PICU experience. If you aren't apply till the fall, I"d go ahead and try to switch, because if you get excepted you would have one year adult icu when classes started.

clintcron · Oct 21, 2009

Thank you again for the information. I have decided that I will switch. Although, I'm in a LEGIT PICU, we still have alot of TCU patients, all of which I seem to get the most of now. I don't know if this is due to the fact of my aspirations (I'm sure) or not. I have repeatedly asked for the sicker patients, it is just not happening now. Thanks again, Clint

Jross34 · Oct 21, 2009

worked 2 years in a SICU with NSICU and MICU overflow

3.3 GPA from a top 25 university

GRE score: 4 on writing, 660 math, 550 verbal

I took an online distance learning Medical Biochemistry class via University of New England and got an A

remember, letters of rec count too

iLovemyJackRT · Oct 21, 2009

I think that's the way to go. An adult ICU will provide you with so many more learning experiences you probably couldn't get in picu. Good luck!

My_brain_hurts · Oct 22, 2009

There are two people in my class who with PICU experience. I can't remember how long they worked there, and if either of them worked anywhere else before PICU, but I know one of them has no other ICU experience besides PICU. Of course, that person is freaking out about having to deal with adults and most of us are like, "What? adults are easy! it's the kids that scare us!". But it never hurts to ask the schools you are looking at what they prefer. Some may say it doesn't matter and to some it might. Good luck!