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Hi everybody. Don't know as I've seen this topic before, but am interested in knowing your opinions on best educational route to eventually teach or instruct in a CRNA program.

I realize at this point there are probably several routes one can take; it would be great for any instructors on the board to weigh in with your opinions.

Here's a couple of questions I had (some get back to the MSN vs MSX issue): Does anybody favor a "science" background over a nursing background (BS, MS, PhD in biology, physics, chemistry, etc)? How about an advanced degree in education? Does one even need a BSN? (I realize many, but not all, schools want a BSN for admission to their programs).

It would seem as though there is room for more schools of nursing anesthesia, and therefore more opportunities to teach. Thanks for any input you have! - Doug

Doug

Most CRNA programs do not even require a BSN to enter. An ADN, with a BS in another field is sufficient. Many CRNA programs do not grant "Master's of Nursing" degrees. My degree is a Master's of Science, Nurse Anesthesia. I didn't really know it at the time I applied to CRNA school, but given what I know now, I am glad that I got an MSNA rather than an MSN - A (Master of Science, Nursing - Anesthesia). The difference is subtle, and mostly involves taking a couple of additional classes in things like nursing theory and nursing history. Folks who know me know that I think most nursing theory is redundant at best, and in some cases (see Roger's theories) were developed and written at the height of a long period on LSD.

To teach CRNA students (as I understand it) does not require a MSN. It requires a CRNA with a Master's degree. The program director where I went to school (Newman University) had diplomas in both nursing and nurse anesthesia. I don't really remember what his master's degree was in, but he had obtained a PhD in adult education. Dr Tony Chipas (the director) recognized a need for nurse anesthesia education located in Wichita, and set out to start a program. He first tried to affiliate that program with Wichita State University. Generally, they could not have started the program (I think) because that would have competed with a program at another regents school, Kansas University. However, as he tells it, when he approached the Nursing Department at WSU, he was told that he should stop working on his adult education PhD, and get his BACHELOR'S degree in nursing first! That's when he knew it was time to look elsewhere. When he approached Newman University, they essentially looked at his proposal, studied the feasibilty, and said "let's do it." To Tony's credit (and believe me, I think he deserves A LOT of credit), it took him two years from receiving the go ahead from NU, to becoming accredited and admitting his first class. That's fast.

Bottom line? Some places will want you to have a BSN, MSN, and possibly a PhD in a nursing related discipline to teach. But, at most places I know, the director has either a MSNA or PhD, not necessarily in nursing, and must be a CRNA. Other instructors in related topics (physiology, anatomy, pathophys) have degrees in their related fields, but do not have to be CRNA's. The instructors who teach anesthesia, both didactic and clinical, are CRNA's. A large number of them are CRNA's with Master's degrees.

Kevin McHugh

Good information, Kevin, thanks. You've all been very encouraging. I smiled when I read about Dr. Chipas and the direction he got to get his BSN first - that's exactly the mindset I run into so often. His story is VERY encouraging.

Thanks all, for the great input - Doug

Who's Dr. Chipas? J\W

Brett

Doug,

Just in case you haven't seen yet. The program at Gonzaga University is actually a Master's in Education with an emphasis in Anesthesia Nursing. So that may be something that interests you because they focus on their graduates being able to teach in the profession.

Brad

Thanks Brad - I had not even considered Gonzaga. I'll check it out.

I am a Gonzaga grad....good program....I don't know why you'd need another Master's though, as you already have an MEd, so I would think you'd already meet the "degree" criteria to teach........

Doug,

I clearly understand your question as I come from the opposite perspective. My undergraduate education focuses in the sciences, biochemistry specifically. To reply to your question regarding teaching I feel that an array of backrounds seem to engage in the teaching of CRNA's in many of the programs I have reviewed (i.e. UNE, Albany, Columbia.) Teaching is an art, the subject although significant is always secondary. I know many non-CRNA's that teach within CRNA programs as there are many non-MD's that teach within medical schools. Course work in ethics, policy, physiology, A&P etc. are typically taught by experts in those fields, and although in some situations CRNA's are qualified to teach these subjects I have found that they are often taught by specialists in these areas (PHD, MS, etc.)

Good Luck my friend!

Jeff

Doug and all,

Hello all. I have recently discovered your discussions and have been lurking off and on. Thought I might chime in a bit, at this point.

I am a CRNA and an instructor in a CRNA program. My path was similar to yours, Doug. I got a BA in hard science, and later got a associates when I decided to become a nurse. When I went to anesthesia school, a masters was not part of the package.

So when I wanted a masters, I had to decide what degree to get. If I wanted a MSN, I was told to get a BSN first. Not an attractive choice. So I was left with, how valuable is an MSN compared to other masters?

This is my thinking-----------

Education was my goal (actually, I was already teaching and knew I loved it). My program is not in a school of nursing, so a nursing degree was not required. One choice was to get a non-nursing masters. That would have suited my program fine.

But I chose to look at the bigger picture. About half of our schools are in nursing departments, half are not. If I got a non-nursing masters, I was limiting myself to only working in half the available teaching jobs in the country. And who knows what the future holds? It is my personal opinion that we will (over time) see the percentage of anesthesia programs in nursing departments increase, and the non-nursing decrease. (But everyone can have their own opinion on this).

When I went shopping for a degree, there were only a few programs who would work with me, without getting a BSN first. But I found one, and got an MSN. I think there are even more "open minded" programs now, for people in my type of situation.

I personally believe it was worth the extra work to get a nursing degree. I believe I got more "bang for my buck".

I recognize your situation is not exactly the same as mine. I think you might want to look at the nurse anesthesia journals, and look at the authors, editors, ect. Look at their credentials. Many have a MEd, a degree you already have. So it may serve you well as an instructor. You have been a nurse 20 years, so it is only appropriate for you to weigh how much more time you want to devote to initals after your name. (I am in the same boat now, trying to decide on what type of doctorate is worth the time and energy for the amount of time I have left in my career).

However, since a masters is mandated, you will end up getting some type of masters as part of anesthesia school. You know, there is at least one program (maybe 2) that have a doctorate track. I don't know if having a masters already would help there, but it is something I would check out if I were in your shoes.

Yes, we need more faculty. We need more schools. There is a huge provider shortage. They used to make predictions about when it would turn around, but they don't even do that anymore. Many say this is the most profound shortage ever. Our profession is working feverishly to get more programs up and running. Do not believe that programs are deliberately not opened in order to keep the shortage in place. That would be too short sighted. If we don't produce CRNAs, there may be non-nurses more than willing to sit at the head of the table.

Hope I didn't run on too long. I am enjoying your discussions, and will check in as I can. I am encouraged to see so many fine nurses interested in our field.

loisane

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