The ICU experience question

[cookderosa]

We all know that CRNA school requires 1-2 years ICU experience as a prereq. I wonder how easy it is to get that experience? Do hospitals hire new RNs for ICU, or are there typically other areas you work in first?

[seansanf120]

Hi there,

I was a new grad hire in the PICU, but I was an exception. I did my preceptorship in my last semester in the same PICU where I work now. My nurse manager had hire two new grads before me in the last 20 years! Almost all of the ICU positions here require you to have ICU experience already, or some kind of floor experience like Telemetry, Post-Op floor, or a Neuroscience floor. It's even tougher now to get that new grad job in an ICU because of the economy and how so many nurses who are laid off have years of experience under their belt. If you can find that position, and if you think you can handle being in an ICU right out of nursing school, then go for it. If not, then try to find a "step down" unit or a post op floor position. Good luck to you!

seansanf120

[natbug]

It really depends on the hospital. The hospital I worked at hires new grads in "specialty" areas like critical care. If you are not sure, contact the Unit director of the specific unit you are interested in and speak with them and let them know your interest. I personally would not mention that you are interested in CRNA school.