CRNA ACNP combination

Hi everybody I am new to the board and just considering advanced practice schools. I am curious what the group thinks about the advantageous and disadvantageous of training both as CRNA and an ACNP. I have worked several places in the country where the ICUs I worked in were staffed by physician intensivists; most who came from an anesthesia background then did a critical fellowship. Thinking along those lines what would be available for a nurse intensivist with a CRNA background as well? Do you think this is a good combination, feasibly impossible, or a waste of time? Thanks in advance for your views.

Hi,

I recently got accepted to NA school and will be starting this August. I am also a Nurse Practitioner as well. Although I am a Family Nurse Practitioner, most of my training was focused in the acute care setting. I have been a nurse since 1996 and have a combined ICU and ER background. I was also hired into the ER as an NP 2 years ago where I worked as a staff nurse.

If anyone had the chance or opportunity to become an NP, and then be a CRNA, I would highly recommend it. I know that it seems that it is too much...but, I truely believe that there will be a niche for this "dual" role (being a APRN/CRNA combo), especially in rural areas in high need for a Mid-level provider and a CRNA.

Just my .02 cents.

Vinny.