ACNP then CRNA???

[erwindt, MSN, RN]

Hey everyone. Looking to get some advice regarding APN degrees in nursing. I made previous post before regarding ACNP vs. CRNA. I was planning to apply ACNP and CRNA this year, but I got tied up with work and ended up applying to ACNP ONLY. I am currently enrolled at NYU ACNP program, just started. I don't know if it's worth finishing the program and then going back for CRNA. There's a lot of nurses with great interest into CRNA. My interest started in 2003 when I was doing my first undergrad degree. I shadowed a bunch of CRNAs in 2003 and again last year to see if it's really what I want. I love what they do and the environment they work in. My program at NYU takes about 3-4 yrs. part-time and consist of 51 credits. It's a very good school, you just have to put a lot of work into it, like any other APN programs out there. Shall I finish the program and then apply to CRNA school or stick to it and let my hospital pay for it. What I like about it is that I can get a certificate in RNFA or work in the ICU. I like the NP because I feel like it is flexible. You can function as a manager, clinician, educator in places where there's a shortage. In NYC, there's a surplus of NPs. I work with a lot of nurses at the bedside with a master's degrees. Certainly, if I put this much work and money to getting my ACNP or any MS degrees, I want to make sure I'll be able to use it, not just a degree I'll be carrying it until I retired. Give me some feedback please, thanks. Greatly appreciated.

[KyleLVN]

Coming from a young LVN, my understanding that your in a program, trying to become a advance practice nurse practicioner? and thinking about becoming a certified registered nurse anesthestits, (hope I spelled that right). If you like putting people to sleep than do that, it's extremely acute care as you know, your a cheaper labor force than a MD anestheologist, possibly more work, from insurance companies I assume, though you might be putting doctors out of a job. Though you might just want to maybe consider going to medical school. And in my clinical experiences, I met two masters degree RN's one was a Nurse Practicioner, and one just had a masters degree, I honestly don't see the difference between a ADN, BSN and MSN, unless you have the upper degrees so you can try and move into management. But it depends on your work place, who's butt you kiss etc. If you have a masters definetly become advanced practice, and make sure you get prescriptive authority or ability. But if Obamacare is implemented the healthcare industry is going to be hurting, and with the already nursing shortage, doctor shortage. I'd pray about it and see what God says, and your family as well, if you have one, if not definetly go for it, so when you do have one you can easily afford better everything for your children. I think in the end you just have to look at what you want to do, and your absolutely right about the versatility of a nurse practicioner, as opposed to a CRNA.