Will NICU experience make me a competitive applicant?

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I've sort of been planning on working NICU in order to get ICU experience b/c I am interested in either pursuing NNP or CRNA. By working NICU, I could apply to either program, and after some time there I will have a better idea of which would be the best fit for me.

I'm just wondering though, if NICU experience is not seen as being as valuable for a CRNA program as the regular ICU or maybe another area?

Thanks for any opinions!

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Specializes in Open Heart.

depends on the school....some programs are fine with NICU experience while others won't even consider it for admission

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Specializes in PICU/CVICU/Ped Nursing Faculty/TSICU.

I would have to say that most programs accept only adult experience. With that being said, I have mostly PICU experience in very large Level 1 trauma centers. I have my own opinions about the nicu but I would suggest for level of acuity and if you are truly serious about going to anesthesia school, that you choose a different ICU setting. NICU's have some high acutity pt's granted, but sometimes they are few and far between.

You need advanced hemodynamic monitoring, titration of gtts, abg analysis, vent management, and 95% of your crna schooling will be on adults with many coexsisting dx processes. So, for me I had to branch out into the adult world and I gained some very good experience over the last 2 yrs. taking care of critically ill adults. just my 2 cents.

GOOD LUCK

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Specializes in NICU, CVICU.

I also did NICU (Level III) for 2 years with the original goal of NNP, but when I decided to apply to CRNA school instead (after finally getting my husband on board), I made the switch to adult CVICU.

I would say that if you want to be able to apply to ANY program, then you should go straight for adult ICU. I loved my NICU experience, but it doesn't give you the same knowledge. There are very few comorbidities in neonates. There are the same few diagnoses most of the time. It's just not the same.

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Thanks for the replies, great points to think about.

Cathy, I'm just curious if you don't mind sharing what made you rethink NNP and decide on CRNA?

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I had over a year of NICU but changed to adult ICU and was accepted within 6 months after changing.

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