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Discussion

What can I work as before I get my RN license?

My plan is to become a CRNA in the future. I know to be able to get into the CRNa program, I have to have at least a 1 year experience in the ICU. I want to work as an ICU nurse right after I get my BSN so I have to have prior nursing experience. But I don't know what I can work as without an RN license in a medical facility that would qualify me become an ICU nurse right after? Or does anyone know any way to be able to work in the ICU as soon as possible?

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    • Admin

    There are a few options to work while a nursing student. Many facilities employ CNAs, PCAs, and other unlicensed assistive personnel (some facilities use various terms; some states may define what those terms mean). However, there isn't really a way to ensure a transition into an ICU nursing position, and none of them will "qualify" you to be an ICU nurse- your RN license when you earn it does that. It is possible that working in a facility can assist in getting an ICU job- access to internal job postings, establishing an employment history, having references. However, even that is not a guarantee- in many areas, the job market is tight. You may need to accept a job in another specialty to gain experience before transitioning into the ICU. You may need to relocate. Basically, it's going to mean keeping your options open and your plans flexible.

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    Thanks for your comment! do you think working as a nurse tech would help me? and how do I become one?

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    Thanks for your comment! do you think working as a nurse tech would help me? and how do I become one?

    Hi! I worked as a ward clerk on a med-surg unit at our local hospital - the nurses I worked with let me go with them to watch dressing changes, ect - that helped me some.

    I have friends that worked as NTs and it helped them a lot! Not a bad idea to check into it.

    I wasn't sure if u were already in nursing school or not - if u are, your instructor may be able to put in a good word for u at one of the program's clinical sites.

    Anne, RNC

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    When ICUs ask for experience it doesn't mean any old medical field experience. It means actual licensed RN experience. There are some facilities with ICU new grad positions but they are few and highly competitive. What you can do now, if you are not close to graduation, is get a job as a tech or CNA. Preferably in a hospital to get your foot in th door, but xoerience anywhere is better than nowhere. The tech experience will look good on your resume. The other thing you need to do is have very good grades both in pre reqs and the core program. Many facilities with new grad ICU programs will want students with a high GPA and good references from clinical instructors and employers. Also, CRNA programs are highly competitive so you will need the high GPA for that as well.

    it is very likely you will not get an ICU position straight out of school. It's possible, just not likely. You will be lucky to just get a job. Take what you can get. Put in your year or two to gain experience as an RN while making connections, then apply to ICU positions.

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    Thanks for your comment! do you think working as a nurse tech would help me? and how do I become one?

    Not really other than developing a positive work relationship with a facility. Nurse tech is often reserved for nursing students of a certain level, some facilities it's successful completion of the first semester including fundamentals and school recommendation. One facility it's reserved for BSN students apply during junior year to start working summer between junior and senior year.

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