[zacarias]

Hey all,

I have a question regarding degrees. Do programs exist in which they train you to be a CRNA and also an NP in a chosen area? Or did any of you do a CRNA program before/after you were a FNP or something like that.
The reason I ask is that anesthesia I love, but I I cannot get away from the desire to do primary care. I have a strong interest in immigrant health and would love to find a way where in the future, I could practice as a CRNA and NP.
Am I trying to put too much into one lifetime?

Z

[kmchugh]

Yep, I'd say you are trying to pack too much into one lifetime. In so far as I know, there are no programs that allow you to become a primary care NP AND a CRNA at the same time. Additionally, I don't know of any jobs that will allow you to do both. Basically, you are going to have to pick one.

Kevin McHugh, CRNA

[smiling_ru]

Columbia University will let you do that, I know of someone who completed acute care nurse practioner and nurse anesthesia at the same time. Lots of work though.

[loisane]

I have met two NPs who went back to school to become CRNAs. Neither planned on continuing to practice as NPs once out of CRNA school.

Haven't met any CRNAs who left anesthesia to become a NP.

Have you thought about midwifery? They have the autonomy of CRNAs, but see patients in a primary care way.

loisane crna

[zacarias]

Originally posted by smiling_ru
Columbia University will let you do that, I know of someone who completed acute care nurse practioner and nurse anesthesia at the same time. Lots of work though.

Really? Well, gee I sure love Columbia but I don't think I'll make it to that school in this lifetime....but we'll see if I win at Vegas.

Z

[zacarias]

Originally posted by loisane


Have you thought about midwifery? They have the autonomy of CRNAs, but see patients in a primary care way.

loisane crna

Midwifery is not my cup of tea although I value the profession greatly. I think I should just pick NP or CRNA and leave it at that.

Z

[Qwiigley]

There is a way you can do immigrant care and be a CRNA. Operation Smile is composed of many medical team members who volunteer their services for other countries poor. Such as Mx, Guatamala, etc. They go to do operations etc to people who would never be able to pay for it. Such as fixing cleft palates, etc. Go on the internet, look up: Operation Smile. I think it will come up. (All RNs too).