[Doug Cameron]

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

[meandragonbrett]

Doug,
I think the amount of CRNA schools will remain the same. This way the amount of CRNAs will be controled, and the demand for them will be high, which will keep the salary high. You mentioned a MSX, what's that? You must have a BSN to become a CRNA, and at most schools the instructors are usually have a PhD as well. I'm not trying to knock your intelligence or anything, but you seem to be a little confused on how you become a CRNA, if you are just let us know and we'll be more than happy to answer any questions you have about the profession. Kevin is one CRNA that I know of that's on the board, and he has helped out everyone on this board with his well thought out posts! Thanks again kevin for all the GREAT info.

Brett

[Doug Cameron]

Brett, my dear young friend....

Thanks for your most interesting reply. Perhaps I can make it simpler for you.

1) There is a market shortage for CRNA's (and other anesthesia personnel. Has been for a long time, and will likely be for a long time. Therefore, there is a market for both quality CRNA programs and for those who can instruct in those programs....whether you or I or anyone else wants the number of programs to remain the same. However, that has little to do with my original question...

2) MSX.... X is a variable common to most of the sciences...mathematics, physics, chemistry....and I meant it as a variable as well, ie, a MS in NURSING (that's the MSN part ...) or an MS in a physical science (chemistry, biology, nursing anesthesia, etc....).
You may remember, there have been a significant number of posts dealing with the issue of whether one should apply to CRNA programs which confer an MSN vs some type of MS or MSNA. My question therefore would be....if one is interested in eventually INSTRUCTING in a program, is one degree more desirable than another? Love to hear from some actual teachers on this one.

3) Most CRNA instructors DO NOT have PhD's. Many do, but far from "most".....

4) One does NOT need a BSN to enter CRNA school. Many schools DO require a BSN; however there is a significant number who will accept an RN with a science degree. Again, usually, but not always, those conferring an MSN want a BSN; those conferring an MS of another type will accept an RN with a science degree.

5) I'm not trying to knock YOUR intelligence or anything...... but you may want to read the question twice before you answer - it certainly does cut down on the ..... confusion (also good advice for taking the GRE's............... ).

[Gowkout]

Doug, I think the easiest way to be able to teach CRNAs is to become one. My instructors at the program that I am attending all have their PHD in biology, chemistry or physics ( those that teach the sciences) and for my anesthesia courses they are taught by the MDs and other master level CRNAs. I do know that PHD science teachers a few and far between and they are always in need.

[meandragonbrett]

I'm not going to allow myself to reply to your post doug, i'm going to maintain a professional manner and not allow myself to act like the people that are on www.studentdoctor.net *those who know what i'm saying* (I know studentdoctor.net has nothing to do with this board)

Brett

[Doug Cameron]

Folks, guess I'm not making myself clear. Let's try a different tack. Assuming one was an RN currently making plans to attend a CRNA program, who eventually wanted to teach with a tertiary degree, would you advise them to stick with a MSN-granting program, the logical subsequent course being a PhD in Nursing, or would it be reasonable to pursue a non-MSN CRNA program, and subsequently a PhD in one of the sciences or even education? Or, perhaps, does it not matter in the least?

[Doug Cameron]

Also, to Brett - sorry you did not appreciate my post. I certainly did not mean to offend you. However, I must remind you that I posted a very reasonable question, and you called my intelligence into question. Not sure why you did that, but I guess I would have expected a strong response, if I were you. In any event, I'm not interested in flame wars either. If I have offended you, please forgive me.

[AL bug]

Hey Doug, I am in anesthesia school now, so I can only tell you the degrees my instructors have. I have only seen one person on this board who said he was an instructor at Southern Missouri, I think. We have three didactic instructors and they have MS in Nurse Anesthesia, MS in Human Resourses, and MS in Nursing. They all have strong clinical background. Personally, if I were taking the path to teach later, I would stick to the sciences. We have Anatomy&Phis., Chemistry, Physics, Pharmacology, etc. I think a program would look more fondly at a strong science background than nursing, but I am not in love with the nursing field either. I only got a BSN because it took a year less than a science degree, and I was in a hurry to get to CRNA school.
Are you a nurse now or plan to go to CRNA school to become an instructor?
In my advice to anyone who is planning on becoming a CRNA, whether you plan to teach or not, I would get ADN and BS in Biology, Chemistry, etc. I don't think the classes that I took for BSN had one thing to do with anesthesia and were annoying to have to take. I love the sciences and they are so much more pertinent to anesthesia. Hope this helps.

[AL bug]

By the way, none of them have a PhD, and the program has an excellent turnout and passing rate for boards.

Another point: I applied to 5 schools and none of them required a BSN.

The program I am in now offers Master of Health Care Administration. I think any program would say its degree has its benefits. I don't know why a MSN would be any more adventageous to you for teaching than another administration degree or some of the others that are offered. (I don't have to do any nursing research either )

[AL bug]

After reading my posts, I don't think they made a whole lot of sense. I think we have done a remarkable job of screwing up the intent of your question. I hope this clears up my former excuse for an answer. This is my final answer: Stick with the sciences for your MS, too. I would advise MSX or MS in some type of admin.