I am currently enrolled in anesthesia school and am halfway through my program. It has finally hit me that I don't want to do this for the rest of my career. The money would be great, but money isn't everything. After some long weeks of making a decision to switch tracks, I have decided to become a family nurse practitioner. My classmates think I'm insane for making the switch but I honestly know that I have to be happy with my career.
It is my understanding that the job market for FNPs is greater today than it is for ACNPs. Is this correct? The starting salary range for CRNAs where I am in school is around $135k. I understand for FNPs it is around $80k? Is this a good average starting point?
Today I turned off my anesthesia machine and tomorrow I start learning the ropes of the FNP. Thank goodness the majority of credit hours will transfer over with the exception of my anesthesia classes.