ADVICE NEEDED: Switching jobs 3 months before applying for JAN '08 class

yanka12 · Apr 1, 2007

I think you doing a right thing! In my opinion,this only shows that you like chalenge. Go for it. The more different experience the better it is.

50 min for work?...for school yes,for work- no way!

My friend is a TRN and she got in. Talking about switching Hospitals...

Go for it!

Good luck!

:)

I am applying for a job in ICU in another hospital that has a higher acuity, i.e., more hemodynamics and invasive procedures. Currently, I work in CCU at a smaller hospital that is "community-based," where in 3 years I have gotten a firm foundation of critical-care nursing, i.e., titration of vasoactive drips and management of ventilated patients. Planning to apply for the JAN 2008 class, as I send my application materials this July '07, I want to know if its OK...appropriate...or not... to go from one job to another. I would like to know how the Admissions committee would perceive this. My reason for the change is basically the "distance" that I've been traveling: 40 miles one-way and 50 minutes versus 18 miles one-way and 30 minutes. My supervisor from current job is understanding and is still willing to give me a good recommendation for nurse anesthesia school.

japaho41 · Apr 6, 2007

You are making the right decision, getting exp in 1) a different ICU 2) a higher level a care. I changed jobs about 4 months prior to applying. Anything that you can do to make yourself appear well-rounded is best, because you will compete against those that have worked in several different ICU's as travelling nurses and those that may have only worked in one. The one thing that I will caution you on that may be difficult is to get your letters of rec from your old job. When I applied some of the applications wanted forms and rec's from current supervisors at you current position. This is kind of challenging to ask someone that has just met you a few months prior to fill out a rec for you to leave for CRNA school. Also can be a challenge getting a new position if you lead on that you plan to apply to school this summer, they may not want to waste time/money training you if you are going to be leaving. Have you thought of a travel position?

deroth1 · Apr 7, 2007

Thanks Yanka12 for responding. After some soul-searching, I have determined that I want to make this switch in jobs. I have an interview with the ICU nurse manager next week, on Thursday, April 12. Hopefully, this move will ultimately be beneficial in applying to NA school. Good luck in your NA program. :)

deroth1 · Apr 7, 2007

Thanks japaho41 for responding. Your response was inspiring. I know that I am far from opposite the travel nurse with multiple experience, but I am hopeful that this one-time change to a higher-acuity ICU will make me appear just as competitive in my candidacy to NA school. I live in Stallings, NC, just outside of Charlotte/Matthews, NC, but currently work in Lancaster, SC. If I were to start the new job, I see the challenges of telling my future plans to attend NA school and getting the recommendation from the most current supervisor. However, I have gained the confidence of my current (soon-to-be-former) supervisor of getting her rec., even if I left to work elsewhere. The other two rec.'s will be obtained from former nursing instructor and either a CRNA or anesthesiologist from "shadowing." I noticed from your profile that you are from Greenville, NC. Did you apply to Carolinas Healthcare System/UNC-Charlotte's NA program or know anything about its application/admission process? This is where I am applying for JAN. 2008. Congratulations for GETTING IN, and good luck in school.:)