Nurse Anaesthetists

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I read in the Nursing Times recently that Nurses were finally being allowed to move deeper within the world of anaesthetics. i awas looking at anaesthetics in the U.S. where not only did i discover that 65% of all anaesthetics in the US are given by Nurses! But that anaesthetics was the oldest Nursing specialty with records of the practice going back to the early 1900's. A Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetist (CRNA), undertakes 24 to 36 months of intensive training to gain a Master Degree and license to practise as a Registered Nurse Anaesthetist. There are currently some 29,000 CRNA's practising all over the US.

I personally feel that this training model could be imported over to the UK with no problems at all. The course is not solely intended for theatre nurses. In fact many recommend that Intensive Care nurses should consider it as a career as in their job they monitor the patient closely and see the effect of the drugs and also make tough decisions on what is best for the patient. By the way the average salary for a Nurse Anaesthetist is $123,000!! (Which is £83,900!!!)

So who is with me? Anaesthesia can be a Nursing Specialty!!!!!!!!!!

Specializes in not qualified yet, ask me soon! x.

Hi i just want to say that this is what I will be doing once I get to the states and have some ICU experience. i have to have a bachelors degree..if you look on salary.com if will show you the salarys of a CRNA, and yes they are very high!..Some CRNA's work self employed and it has reported that some CRNAs earn more than Pediatricians . I have looked into doing something like this here in the Uk, and they are piloting the Anesthetic practioner program which will probably pay about 40k to 50k, money is not everything! but it means a lot but i dont think the NHS would ever pay me something like those salarys in the USA. I gathered that by me the time i have 3 or 4 years work experieince as a CRNA i will have the equivalent salary of a surgeon in the UK, which is in the range of 80k to 100. There are also oppurtunities to become a Chief Aneasthetist earning over the 200 mark. Gaswork.com lists all the jobs available too. im really determined to do this, so im going to make sure I get a 2:1 or a first before I get to the states.

Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

You know I am all for forward planning but I would concentrate on becoming a registered nurse first, enjoy your training and focus on what you need to get to the USA. When it says that the USA needs nurses that is what they need not specialists-they are desperate for floor nurses. I dont doubt you will have lots to offer but time served and all that.

I am a RN/RM have upteen qualifications, an honors degree and post grad management qualifications to masters level yet all I am being employed as is a RN.

Specializes in not qualified yet, ask me soon! x.

Madwife thanks for your reply. Your correct, I do focus a lot on what I need to do to get my degree, which is why i have achieved all excellent grades so far. I have put in a lot of time an effort investing for my future. However, I dont think there is any harm in somebody putting a lot of time into planning for their future, Im not rich I come from a working class background so I do want the best from my career and im not going to apologise for it either. I know that the USA needs floor nurses and I know what I want out of my career. To me if i am going to be spending a lot of time doing masters, e.t.c I will do a job that will apply those skills learnt. Thats why I am interested in the Anesthesiology program, as after finishing that I can become a CRNA. I have great respect for Madwife's experience but I am achieving at the moment and I am very determined person. I dont know eveything as im only 20 years old, but i do know that whatever I choose to do, I will get it. I also dont believe that in order to progress you need to have tremendous time served, its down to the individual and how quick they can grasp concepts. I rang up an American University and spoke to the director of the CRNA program, she said to me that if it states one year ICU experience needed, then thats what you need. I know a lot of people have more when they apply but i have just as good chance as anyone else, but I do have a career plan in place. Sometimes it upsets me when I speak to people about what I would like to do for my career plans and I feel as if I have to shut up about it/ or the common attitude is because one person hasnt made it or it was difficult for somebody else means that I wont make it, or it will be difficult for me. I may get absolutey shot for saying this, but i feel very strongly about it and I had to say it..Sorry.

Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.
Madwife thanks for your reply. Your correct, I do focus a lot on what I need to do to get my degree, which is why i have achieved all excellent grades so far. I have put in a lot of time an effort investing for my future. However, I dont think there is any harm in somebody putting a lot of time into planning for their future, Im not rich I come from a working class background so I do want the best from my career and im not going to apologise for it either. I know that the USA needs floor nurses and I know what I want out of my career. To me if i am going to be spending a lot of time doing masters, e.t.c I will do a job that will apply those skills learnt. Thats why I am interested in the Anesthesiology program, as after finishing that I can become a CRNA. I have great respect for Madwife's experience but I am achieving at the moment and I am very determined person. I dont know eveything as im only 20 years old, but i do know that whatever I choose to do, I will get it. I also dont believe that in order to progress you need to have tremendous time served, its down to the individual and how quick they can grasp concepts. I rang up an American University and spoke to the director of the CRNA program, she said to me that if it states one year ICU experience needed, then thats what you need. I know a lot of people have more when they apply but i have just as good chance as anyone else, but I do have a career plan in place. Sometimes it upsets me when I speak to people about what I would like to do for my career plans and I feel as if I have to shut up about it/ or the common attitude is because one person hasnt made it or it was difficult for somebody else means that I wont make it, or it will be difficult for me. I may get absolutey shot for saying this, but i feel very strongly about it and I had to say it..Sorry.

I commend your enthusiasm and I am sure you will succeed in what ever you choose to do. I dont think you should shut up or apologise about your plans I have always had a career plan in place and I have been very successful in the UK but there are good strong foundations to be built and then you will make a compassionate, understanding individual as well as successful. Advice is what it is advice, I have been a long time in nursing and whilst you may think I am old hat there is a lot of life left in the old dog yet lol.

Dont forget about the human element on your way to the top.:wink2:

Madwife thanks for your reply. Your correct, I do focus a lot on what I need to do to get my degree, which is why i have achieved all excellent grades so far. I have put in a lot of time an effort investing for my future. However, I dont think there is any harm in somebody putting a lot of time into planning for their future, Im not rich I come from a working class background so I do want the best from my career and im not going to apologise for it either. I know that the USA needs floor nurses and I know what I want out of my career. To me if i am going to be spending a lot of time doing masters, e.t.c I will do a job that will apply those skills learnt. Thats why I am interested in the Anesthesiology program, as after finishing that I can become a CRNA. I have great respect for Madwife's experience but I am achieving at the moment and I am very determined person. I dont know eveything as im only 20 years old, but i do know that whatever I choose to do, I will get it. I also dont believe that in order to progress you need to have tremendous time served, its down to the individual and how quick they can grasp concepts. I rang up an American University and spoke to the director of the CRNA program, she said to me that if it states one year ICU experience needed, then thats what you need. I know a lot of people have more when they apply but i have just as good chance as anyone else, but I do have a career plan in place. Sometimes it upsets me when I speak to people about what I would like to do for my career plans and I feel as if I have to shut up about it/ or the common attitude is because one person hasnt made it or it was difficult for somebody else means that I wont make it, or it will be difficult for me. I may get absolutey shot for saying this, but i feel very strongly about it and I had to say it..Sorry.

First let me start by saying, Please do not be offended by what I am about to post.

I am only a few years older than you, but I remember well being as determined at 21. I graduated HS very young and was VERY gifted. I have more educational training than is normal for someone my age, all as a result of being a quick study. I am also the product of humble financial beginnings. I am still very driven so you remind me of myself.

I am sure you are dedicated and I have no doubt you will make it.

Many people find that others are less than excited to hear about their career plans. This happens to pre-nursing students, students with lofty advanced parctice plans, RNs who wish to pursue higher education or switch fields and go into medicine or business.

Many of those who post here and the CRNAs get annoyed when folks post stuff like, "I wanna be a CRNA", swear up and down they've done their research into the field but can only quote the most basic requirements (like the 1 year ICU requirements and the payscale). Many of them have never met a CRNA or even talked to one.They don't research the cons (the difficulties of CRNA study, , practice issues, time away from family, call time, etc)

Watching a CRNA in action during thousands of surgeries and being able to 'compare/contrast' them to MDA's in real life has been an eye-opener for me. Witnessing a CRNA in action during an episode of Malignant hypothermia sealed it for me.

I have NO problem with money discussions among future nurse. As a financial counselor (one of my many careers), I usually throw myself right into the fray. Check out my post history! :lol2:

Being focused is good. Having tunnel vison is deadly to any goal. One thing life/experience teaches you is that things happen. Life has a way of throwing obstacles in our plans. The trick is to make your dreams come true in spite of the difficulties. Successful people learn to take those obstacles and build an even BETTER (perhaps shorter and sweeter) path to that dream.

Truly Madwife was not attacking you, She just wanted to help you get the full picture of the task ahead of you. Her advice is sound. Your journey will be long and sometimes hard as well as fun and exciting. ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF THE JOURNEY!

Life flies by. Before you know it you will be living your dream. Happiness comes in learning to enjoy the journey!:jester:

Oh, and please keep posting. I enjoy reading your post and watching your happy chicken avatar!

Specializes in not qualified yet, ask me soon! x.

hi ya..thank you for the last two posts. I guess i am so eager to succeed as i have had quite a lot of obstacles. It seems nothing i have acheived in my life has come easy and i really want to achieve. Sometimes i can get a bit ahead of myself though, so i agree with you both. I need to relax and enjoy it, thank you for your advice guys im happy to recieve some words of wisdom, dont really get much of it not having a family round me..xxxx

Specializes in renal,peritoneal dialysis, medicine.

You sound quite wise to me, and considering your age, quite focused on your future. This is a refreshing change from the get drunk, vomit or pee in doorway culture of many your age :D

good luck

Specializes in not qualified yet, ask me soon! x.

lol english nurse....believe me its hard when i have to pretend to be that kind if of person to just get along with my peers...feels like im going mad..:banghead:

Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.
You sound quite wise to me, and considering your age, quite focused on your future. This is a refreshing change from the get drunk, vomit or pee in doorway culture of many your age :D

good luck

I did a lot of that in my early nursing years and it was great fun:jester:

Specializes in renal,peritoneal dialysis, medicine.

tsk tsk shame on you lol

acually what bothers me is the binge drink culture that seems to be ruining our towns and cities, i find it all very sad

that, along with the 30 year olds with liver/kidney failure

sad really

i love a drink and have spent many a night falling down drunk in my youth but it was infrequent, like most people i knew, now it just seems to be the norm for most.

had a funny experiance the last time i went out for a drink actually, four of the filipinos from the ward came, i asked them what they wanted to drink and they said 'bacardi breezers' i asked what flavors they all wanted and they said 'watermelon', i said right, four bacardi breezers then and they said, no just one and four glasses. lmao

cheap night out

Please can any one tell me where the school is that is offering a CRNA course in the UK from a very interested ICU nurse thanks alot!!;)

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