NP to CRNA??!!

I finished my ANP/CNS training at VCU in 2001 and almost immediately realized that I should have been in CRNA school. I started a post-grad certificate program at UNCC today. The post-grad approach saves me retaking all that theory, research, stats kind of stuff. It works out to saving 12 hours over the first two semesters (yet still carrying a 10-hour full-time load).

I do think it helped me get in, but you better believe that I got asked why I'm jumping ship during the interview. Be prepared to state yourself clearly...

One one of my interviews I met a NP that was in the CRNA program.

I think BigDave put it well. Anticipate an interview question about why you want to switch.

In my class of 19 students, two are former NP's and one is a former midwife.

Good luck!

You may also look at what I call "meat and potatoes" schools. They still have to do a research project, but minimize the scary fluffy stuff and add more technical material. VCU is a prime example.

Could anyone tell me pls why switch from NP to CRNA? I understand the issue of $$$ which realy depends on the set up for both professions. I'm only asking because I'm still at the crossroad. I'd love to have FNP because it could open the door to many specialties outthere.But CRNA is particularly interesting to me, not only as "gas passing" specialty, but also a pain management field. I'm licensed acupuncturist (in addition to RN). About 65% of my pt base are all kinds of pain syndromes (both physio and psych ).Could some of the CRNAs tell me the extent of their scope of practice as far as pain management is concerned? I know it defers from State to State. Let's say NY and FL come to mind. Do you guys do epidurals not related to L&D,nerve blocks etc. Sorry for my ignorance. I started med school but had to withdraw for family and personal health reasons. Any info is greatly appreciated.

I'm an FNP who worked for over 2 years as an ER NP and I decided to become a CRNA (I'm now a second year SRNA. Eleven more months to go!). During my interview, I was asked as to why I wanted to change careers. I simply stated to the interview committee that, "I wasn't planning to change careers. I was adding to my advance practice role". After all, I worked hard to become an NP. I wasn't giving that up that easily.

I truly believed in my mind that I could perform in BOTH advance practice roles. I do believe that I could serve a rural community advantageously as an NP and a CRNA. How? As a CRNA in the surgical arena...and as an NP in the outpatient setting. Managing the patient's anesthesia in surgery, and following up their care after surgery. I can both be the patient's primary care and anesthesia care provider. This dual role (although I don't know anyone who has done this) would be enticing to private medical groups (say, plastic surgeons, ENT, GI, etc) to hire one advance practice nurse who can manage and administer anesthesia. They wouldn't have to contract out and pay an anesthesiologist or CRNA to care for their patients who they're performing surgery on. They can actually save money.

Now, am I in it for the money? No. I'm comfortable financially. I can't speak for any of the NPs out there that decided to become CRNAs someday like me. I wanted the "dual" role because I believe in making it work. If I become the first one to do it, then hey...my dad would be proud of me (God rest his soul).

Bottom line is...just be honest with yourself and decide what you really want to be. If you decide to be an NP or CRNA OR both...then go for it. Don't do it because you're pressured into it, or be blinded by the financial rewards. Do it for yourself.

Just my .02 cents.

Vinny.

This is also on my mind heavily right now. I've wanted to be a CRNA every since I started my nursing career (circulating in the OR). I recently had a baby and decided to start a local FNP program. I've only been in school for 3 weeks now and I'm panicking (SP?) because I'm realizing more and more that I still really want to be a CRNA. For one, the job outlook is vastly different. So, if the original poster doesn't mind me piggybacking them, I'd love to know if you guys think I should just quit this program and pursue admission to CRNA program or should I keep going?

Tae

hello,
i am currently in the admission process of a FNP program. I fully intend to go to CRNA school afterwards. I am choosing this route for several reasons. 1. I want to take classes while i gain my ICU experience so i might as well earn another degree 2. If i never actually become a CRNA, there are many specialties that a FNP can choose that not only pay well but provide a lot of job satisfaction. As mentioned above, I am hoping to somehow combine both in one practice.

In my research i did find a program, in one of the Carolinas i believe, that offers a Masters in acute care which transitions into a CRNA program. This particular combination could prove valuable being that anesthesia and critical care are so interrelated.