Should I do CRNA school?

Specialties MICU

Published

Hi all. I've been an RN for 24 damn years now, the past 20 in one ICU or another. I like the tech side of the ICU, I like PA lines and toys and drips and all that, and so CRNA sort of seems like the natural outgrowth of that. But do I really want to bust the domestic budget for two years while I go to school full time, just to spend my days in the OR with a bunch of surgeons? I just dunno. Any relevant commentary from the group? Thanks in advance.

Specializes in Med-Surg Nursing.

Dear Mark,

If you want a changes, I say go for it. If you can swing it financially. DO it! I wish I had your stamina and I'm a lot younger than you(I think). Anyhow, Whatever you decide.....good luck!

I think it is a great idea. From reading all your FAQ's , you obviously are on top of the ICU stuff, far exceeding the vast majority of ICU nurses in your knowledge, understanding, ability, and experiences.

I thought you were a doctor when I first started reading your ICU FAQ's.

I personally have worked SICU, MICU, CCU, adult Burns, and Neuro ICU.... so I think I can make that assessment. I think I'm pretty good, but when I read your FAQ's , I was really impressed. !

Lots of things I thought I understood, you can discuss in detail, the why's and what for's , etc.

In other words, You can write the ICU book.

That said, If I were you, I would go for it. It will open major doors for you in the next 10-15 years. The salaries are waaaaaaay up there.........

I'm hearing starting at $125,000 and traveling contracts at $150,000. (Plus sign-on bonuses and overtime. $200,000 a year is not unusual.....when you factor in on-call and OT )

And, as you get older, I think it might be easier physically.

As far as the surgeons go, when I have had the opportunity to observe surgeons in action, the anesthesiology person is always indispensable to the surgeon as the medically "equal" person who shoots the breeze with the surgeon to keep him grounded when things tense up....hence, the football , kobe, fishing, O.J., type conversations....

There is a male nurse on this BB who has been a crna for years...have you checked out the crna forum? I can't remember his name. I'm sure he would give you the pro's & con's perspective.

I'd do it. Good Luck in whatever you do. I still enjoy your FAQ's and have copies of each. You've definitely been a real asset here.

How about approaching your hospital to pay for your schooling? That is not unusual at all. HCA pays nurses to go to crna school in exchange for a couple of years committment....which is good...stay and get a couple years experience prior to moving on. the smaller hospitals pay the best, I think.....the small towns....100,000 population type towns.

good luck.

Have you spent time in OR??? I work in a smaller hospital that added a vascular surgeon 5-6 years ago. He started doing AAA repairs and wanted a swan in place. I had to go down and help with the equipment; setup, prime, zero...anesthesia would monitor the patient. It seemed pretty boring to me. Most would shoot a CO every once in a while and go back to reading the newspaper. I know there is SO MUCH more to anesthesia than this but I would definetly spend time with a CRNA before deciding. Plus, if it takes you away from your ICUFAQs project I would be crushed...one of the greatest resources on the web for nurses.

Mark,

I just took a peek at your icu faq and i must say i am impressed. that is a lot of knowledge your gathered and some cool stories about motorcycles.

I'm confused. Not to hijack this thread, but where are these ICU FAQs?

The website is

http://www.icufaqs.org

Have a great weekend!

~ Jen :cool:

Ah. Thanks.

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