I'd Love to be a CRNA but...

jenniek · Nov 22, 2005

Thank you, Yoga CRNA. I think you hit the nail on the head with this one.

Jennie

ECMOismygame · Nov 23, 2005

Oh yes I looked into that. But I admit I'm a capitalist pig. A whore when it comes to money. A person who once thought of being a lawyer for Christ's sake. An AA's dont cut the mustard. Sure, cast the first stone, ye all who dont dream of those lofty salaries or CRNA's.
Nothing wrong with wanting to get paid well along with helping people for a living. I'm just dealing with my poopaphobia

from what ive read and seen and heard, most CRNA's and AA's earn about the same if they work in the same facility and have the same responsibilities. CRNA's can work anywhere in the country and in rural hospitals, which is where the big bucks are you money whore :), thats where AA's fall short.....

80-90K starting for AA is not good enough? :)

awannabecrna · Nov 23, 2005

I would like to add to what Yoga said.

Pete495 · Nov 23, 2005

Believe it or not, even though it is a factor, most CRNA's are not in it for the money. Any of the older one's will tell you today that money was not a factor when they got into it. CRNA's are paid well because of what they do well, not the other way around. If you knew enough about CRNA's, you would know that it is a highly respected profession in nursing, and you coming on here, disrespecting it, and treating it like a money whoring profession is certainly going to turn the tides, esp. on a crna forum.

If you are such a money grubbing whore, then I would say nursing is not for you altogether. Because it is not

awannabecrna · Nov 23, 2005

Yeah,

It is I annoying hearing people going into nursing because they want to be a CRNA. I think it is crazy.

I have worked in an area that is demanding. I have learned, and many others in my area, that CRNA would be a perfect career choice. Because we work directly with anesthesia situations, post op complications, pain from surgery, hemodynamics, vasoactive drips, ventillation and you get the picture. I went to the area I am in, CV Recovery ICU, because I love hearts. I now know, from my EXPERIENCES that being a CRNA would fullfil me.

I am sorry if I brought up a sore spot, but money, or financial security as you put it, should not be the only reason you want to be a CRNA. It is too demanding and not to mention a dangerous place to work if you do not know what you are doing. Liability is what I am referring to. Hence, skills prior to enrolling in a program is what is very important. That is why you need to work in an ICU prior to enrolling for most programs.

Kiwi, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2005

It is I annoying hearing people going into nursing because they want to be a CRNA. I think it is crazy.

It's not crazy. Do you think there is anything wrong with somebody saying "I want to go into medicine because I want to be an anesthesiologist?"

awannabecrna · Nov 23, 2005

No, but nursing is different. Our hands on experience you know. I know people who are dangerous and negligent who have been nurses for a long time. I cannot imagine them going to NA school and becoming a CRNA. Dont get me wrong. I know people who have known right off the bat that they wanted to be a CRNA without any nursing experience.

Pete495 · Nov 27, 2005

I don't know if it is different or not. I had the idea I would go onto anesthesia when I got into nursing, but I knew what anesthesia was when I got into it. A lot of people are unaware the profession exisits however. When they hear how much they make, they are instantly intrigued. I went through a long process of whether I wanted to do this or not. I practically quit because I thought I was getting into it for the money, and I knew this was not right. However, I got to the point where I decided I didn't want to do anything else, esp. in nursing, and CRNA just fits for most good CRNA's, at least that is the impression I get. I just hope I will be a good one.

RNNJ · Nov 28, 2005

I REALLY DONT want to clean patients and change colostomy bags for one minute. I have ten years EMT experience with a BA in psychology. I love the OR but I dont want to deal with bedside care ever again. Do I have the wrong attitude LOL. I cant be the only one.
Decided law is not an option because of the high rate of unemployment and disatisfaction. Oh well...
I want financial security like everyone else, but I dont think I can get through a year of wiping, floating from floor to floor, arrogant doctors, and general stress of nursing. Just being honest. Plus I'm already 33

It sounds to me as though you like money but are not willing to pay your dues? Hmmm, maybe, just maybe nursing isn't for you. Honestly I am annoyed at people who equal nursing to poop cleaning. That means you are ill informed and have a VERY negative attitude towards a very proud profession. And the doctors get more arrogant with uncooperative and unhappy attitude staff. Maybe you should try and see if you are going to be happy as a nurse first. :twocents: