ICU experience to become CRNA

Nitecap · May 27, 2004

Yes that's what ecmo is. We only use it maybe for a lung or heart transplant or someone in total RV failure that cant tolerating going back to or for a RVAD or BIVAD.

LeeBee · May 27, 2004

Ok, please be patient with me :) what are the different abbreviations you guys are using, like CT ICU, CV ICU, etc...

aRNnAR · May 27, 2004

Ok, obviously the more ICU experience the better before applying for CRNA school... Many programs that I know of need a minimum of 1 year of ICU, but has anyone actually been accepted into a program with this minimum? And in reality what are the ideal/average years of experience that SRNA/CRNA's have?Just curious, thanks :)

I was accepted into two programs w/only 1 yr of nursing experience...that experience is in the ICU. I did not have a full yr at the time of my interview, but do now. I begin at TWU in August! Most programs (i think) work on a points system...so many pts for experience, so many for a high GPA, INTERVIEW (i believe this to be very important), etc.

louloubell1 · May 27, 2004

Ok, please be patient with me :) what are the different abbreviations you guys are using, like CT ICU, CV ICU, etc...

CT(S) ICU = cardiothoracic (surgery) ICU

CVICU = cardiovascular ICU

Both mean just about the same thing. I said earlier that I work CVICU, but to say I work in a CTS ICU is really more accurate since aside from the hearts and vascular surgeries, we are also the primary ICU for thoracic surgeries such as esophagostomies and thoracotomies. Hope that helped....

TraumaNurse · May 27, 2004

LeeBee,

Obviously from many of the people who responded, it is possible to get accepted to CRNA school with the minimum years experience. I think this is also very program dependent. I had my orientation today and met my classmates. The person with the least amount of critical care experience has 3 years, with the next person to that being 5 years. The ranges for the 12 students are from 3 to 18 years.

LeeBee · May 28, 2004

Thanks to all those who replied :)

bbear · May 28, 2004

I am in the process of investigating various CRNA programs and have called many programs to ask about the importance of ICU experience. Surprisingly, I was almost universally told by the CRNA program directors I spoke with that the 1 year ICU experience is a requirement mandated by the AANA--not the schools. I was also told that they will primarily look at your GPA/GRE scores/evaluations to determine your eligibility for admission, and only then will they look at your ICU experience. I was told that the only time that the amount of experience comes into consideration is when 2 or more candidates are all equally worthy of admission--then those candidates with the best experience would be selected. Otherwise, they pick the students who seem best academically prepared for the program and as long as they have the minimum 1 year experience, they're in. For whatever it's worth, that's what I have been consistently told.

johnny depp23 · Sep 4, 2009

Hi, You seem like a nice person so maybe you could help answer my question. Im in the process of getting my BS in Nursing, after that I plan to do the 2 year Anesthesiologist Assistant program. After I complete this I plan to work one year in the ICU as a A.A . After that one year, could I apply for a CRNA program?? They wouldnt make me go back and work one year as a RN in ICU would they ??

CRNA, DNSc · Sep 4, 2009

Hi, You seem like a nice person so maybe you could help answer my question. Im in the process of getting my BS in Nursing, after that I plan to do the 2 year Anesthesiologist Assistant program. After I complete this I plan to work one year in the ICU as a A.A . After that one year, could I apply for a CRNA program?? They wouldnt make me go back and work one year as a RN in ICU would they ??

Let me get this straight- you are going to become an RN but go immediately to an AA program then you are going to work in an ICU as an AA- then you want to go to a CRNA program but you have never worked as an RN. Whew!

First off AAs do not "work" in the ICU they give anesthesia in the OR only under the supervision of an Anesthesiologist so after going to an AA program you then would apply to a CRNA program with no ICU experience. :down:

Well--- you would be required to "have a minimum of one year of acute care expereince as an RN"- That is the mandated minimum requirement from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. CRNA program are free to have more stringent requirements such as "critical care" rather then acute care or more than 1 year but they are not permitted to have lesser requirements. No program director would consider risking their program accreditation by admitting someone without the COA minimum requirement. So if your goal is to be a CRNA then finish your BSN, go to the ICU as an RN, get experience and then apply to CRNA programs. That's the most direct route. If your goal is to be an AA then go that route. Best wishes:D

bucknangler · Sep 4, 2009

J Deep 23,

You either choose CRNA or AA. You do not have to be an AA to then become a CRNA. AA is governed by the AMA while CRNA's are part of nursing. Since you are working on your BSN you should get your CRNA and not the AA. Also, AA do not work ICU...nurses, NP's, and MD's work ICU. The AA career paths usually require a science degree with pre-reqs similar to medical schools. Go to aana.com for all the information you might need regarding becoming a CRNA.

griffly · Sep 6, 2009

Also, AA's are allowed to work in just 18 states. Which means your limited to were you can work.