1 year ICU schools

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I know that most schools say on their website "1 year ICU" experience, but when I've called some of them say the 1 year must be complete by the time you interview which is usually about 8 months prior to the program starting (ie I would only have had about 4 months of experience at interview). Has anyone who has done the research on this have a list of, or know of some schools that are willing to take people with 1 calendar year of experience before starting the program?? Thanks for any advice!!

Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread....I really did not intend to start a debate over whether or not 1 year in critical care prepares you or not...( I guess I know how some of you feel about AA's [anesthesilogist assistants] who have NO ICU experience) all I was interested in was finding out if others who are going through this process of applying have found schools that take applicants with 1 year. And for the record..I was not upset at all in my response to athomas91...but that is how I feel about people who are down on those of us who want move through this process quickly.

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but that is how I feel about people who are down on those of us who want move through this process quickly.

But we who are already in the profession of Nurse Anesthesia want those who are to come to be as prepared and knowledgable as possible. And IMHO, one year of experience just doesn't cut it even if you are in some grand Level 1 center. In those instances, you can't possibly learn all you can from those very sick patients in just 1 year.

Furthermore, being on a interview committee for the last 6 yrs, I can say without a doubt, experience is very important to getting into a school. I'd say maybe 1 person will get in (to the program I'm associated with) if they have less then 2yrs. of experience but they have to be incredibly strong in all other categories to get that postion.

respectfully

skipaway

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I always took the 1 year of experience to mean: one year totally off orientation, taking complete ICU assignments on my own without a preceptor, etc.. That is how I am counting my ICU experience anyway, am I wrong to count it that way?

BTW, I am NOT including the 12 years of experience intubating, managing vents, trachs, A-lines, ABG's, & etc as a RRT. I probably could use that a little though in the interview process.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

To the OP:

I know LOTS of people who were accepted to programs with only 1 year ICU experience by the time the program started, myself included (although I also had a year of ER experience as well). One girl in my class had 11 months ICU including her orientation and a couple people in my class had only PICU experience. We do our clinicals at a MAJOR level 1 trauma center in a major US city and we are all doing well, seeing as how our program thoroughly prepared us for clinicals. With that being said, more than 1 year of experience is never going to hurt you, only help you. But the AANA has set their minimum standard as 1 year for a reason, so I don't know why everybody gets their panties in a wad when people only want to put in the minimum time required. The minimum drinking age is 21, and I don't know too many people that say, "Well, maybe I should have a few more years of adulthood before I'm ready to take my first drink." Bad analogy, but you get the picture. Best of luck to you!!! ;)

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Specializes in SICU, CRNA.

In my opinion, years of ICU does not equal readiness to be in anesthesia school. Anesthesia is different than ICU nursing. a decent background is all that is needed.

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You didnt give an opinion backed by education. You flamed the guy because you didn't like his approach to his education and career, even though the AANA seems to think it is appropriate.

I have lurked behind the sceens here for along time and never joined because I didnt have much to add. But I joined this forum just to let athomas know he is the one whom is out of line. The original posted asked a legit question and you let him know how annoyed and superior you were. I guess maybe the MD's should flame you because you didnt have 4 years of med school... not as prepared as them... just want to rush thru things...

edited out reference to flaming post

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Specializes in Psych.

Wow! another bitter nurse looking for the chance to attack and feel justified. Why am I not surprised? The question by the OP was specific and did not ask for opinion or advice.

Crabs in a bucket...

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Specializes in Psych.

Wow! another bitter nurse looking for the chance to attack and feel justified. Why am I not surprised? The question by the OP was specific and did not ask for abuse.

Crabs in a bucket...

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This is insane

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- you are right - this is obviously no site for those who have an opinion to post...

if you read my origional post - it was quite benign and just an observation - not even directed at the OP - i didn't become irritated until this

I'm getting tired of these resenting remarks from people who look at an accelerated BSN grad who works 1 year in the ICU and gets into CRNA school as substandard in some way. Most of us are older...have other degrees...and go into an accelerated nursing program to be able to become a CRNA...so why wouldn't we want to get there ASAP??? As far as people not asking what type of experience will make them the best provider??? There is a thread right now asking that question, but most programs tell you exactly what type of experience they want you to have. So...do you know of any schools that require only one year??

as far as tooting horns - i don't - and if i wanted to - i could with substance. thank you to allnurses for the early days when professionals could share opinions and learn - this has however become a site (that like many others) has not become useful or beneficial. good luck to those of you think you know it all.

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it is amazing how many people are asking "how fast can i get in..." instead of what experience will make me the best provider.
Even if the question was, "What experience will make me the best provider," the answer would be, "The AANA says that one year of ICU experience would prepare you for CRNA school." So, we're right back where we started, which is what the OP's OQ was.
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Even if the question was, "What experience will make me the best provider," the answer would be, "The AANA says that one year of ICU experience would prepare you for CRNA school." So, we're right back where we started, which is what the OP's OQ was.

I'll tell you what's annoying!!! They spelled hypoglycemia wrong in an advertisement at the bottom of this page!!!! (just trying to lighten things up here)!.

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