[zzzzzgirl]

Did any of you even consider Nurse practitioner before arriving at the decision to become a CRNA? If so, why was it ruled out? Or, was it not even on the list? I am highly interested in autonomy, using independent critical thinking, being respected, and making a decent $$. So, can someone play devil's advocate for me, so I might rule out this possibility that creeps into my head every so often?

Thanks. By the way, the NP site on allnurse.com sucks and receives maybe 1/20 the action this site does...

zzzzzgirl

[smogmatt]

I went in to nursing w/ the end goal of becoming a CRNA. I love anesthesia and thats what I want to do.


just as a sid note:

One thing I have noticed I have seen alot of NP's working as RN's (on the floors)because they cant find jobs as NPs or the jobs they could find they didn't like. I have yet to see a CRNA to go back and work some where else other than a CRNA

[smiling_ru]

I looked into both, thought about acute care nurse practioner at one time. My decision was based on several things

1. the more technical aspects of nurse anesthesia appealed to me.

2. The AANA is an excellent organization, which backs its members up, this was apparent in everything that I read regarding the organization and their lobbying efforts. This in my opinion is in stark contrast to the ANA which seems to blow with the political wind, rather than actually represent the needs of it's membership. (this one was a huge issue for me as I am politically active)

3. Oversaturation of the market by nurse practitioners and the resultant decrease in employment prospects.

4. Autonomy and respect

[Qwiigley]

Well said, similing_ru

[yoga crna]

There is no comparison in the two professions. I know someone who is a faculty member in a N-P program. She is also a CRNA. She feels the N-P's are still too much in the "nurse mode" and not as independent as CRNAs. Also, the education for CRNAs is more scientific leading to more independence.

[MICU RN]

I also spoke with a person who was a NP who is now a srna and she basically stated the same thing: more independence and much greater knowledge base. In addition, another problem I see is that the NP's don't get enough clinical experience. I spoke to a friend who once he became a NP said he felt very unprepared in the clinical setting, he did mention however that he could wright papers well. Think about it most Np programs are 24 months and most people work part time some even full time while in school. Compare this with a family medicine resident who spends at least 3 years of 60-70 hours a week just doing clinical training and still feels there is alot to learn after residency.