Which 1st nursing job to choose as Pre-CRNA?

rayman · Mar 23, 2006

Well, first and foremost you should choose a job that you like and has a good environment for the new nurse..don't eat their young. I was planning on na school too when I graduated but life happened and I finally applied 12 years later...so it could happen to anyone. My start was cvicu and it has always been a love and it provides the best technology etc that na schools are looking for and is a great background. Most people seem to think if you can do cvicu you can do anything, after working in a level I sicu in a teaching hospital I don't think that is necessarily true. Nicu...not exactly sought after by na schools and many won't consider that. I would pick cvicu but you should pick the one you would enjoy most, because life may happen and you can always change or pick up prn shifts in other places. I think a positive, fun and stimulating start to your career is most important.

rayman

AdonaiLoveable · Mar 23, 2006

Rayman, thank you for your words of wisdom. I appreciate your insights and most especially you reminding me that "life happens". I'm always trying to plan out the next 10 steps when I should sometimes slow down, do some planning (but not a lifetime's worth), and leave some room for opportunities that may arise.

Thanks again for your reply,

Adonai

SigmaSRNA · Mar 23, 2006

Hello Everyone, (I also posted this on the Nursing Career Advice Forum, but thought I might get a greater response here).
I am graduating this May from a BSN program. Already I've got three job offers and I really like all three of them. I'm seeking opinions on what would be the best job for me given that I want to apply to Nursing Anesthesia school after obtaining about 2 years or so of ICU experience. Each hospital has similar pay and benefits, and once people get jobs there, they seem to like the environment enough and each place has low turnover.
The job possibilities are as follows:
1. VA Hospital (SICU or MICU available - my choice): only nights available right now. I worked in their MICU last summer as a nurse extern and had a wonderful time. I enjoy serving veterans and the hospital was a great teaching environment. Lots of long term people.
2. Children's Hospital Neonatal ICU: only nights available right now, I precepted there this semester for my senior practicum and I loved working with the babies too. Also a great teaching environment. Lots of long term people.
3. Local Hospital with Magnet Status (MICU or CVICU available): also nights to start. Seems like a great place to learn and people seem to like staying there long term.
All opinions are appreciated and welcomed.
Thanks,
Adonai

Definitely the CVICU at the magnet program. Then again, the VA has a nurse anesthesia program that you would be eligible for if you work there. Tough choice. It really depends on where you want to go to school, but the magnet hospital sounds like the best choice of the 3. Get your CCRN and take the GRE whenever you finish orientation on your unit (while that college vocab and math are fresh in your head).