NP route then CRNA??? Is it a good idea???

Da_Milk_of_Amnesia, MSN · Sep 26, 2013

Hi Everyone. I've posted several topics on this website before for advice and the responses I get are very helpful. To start, I've been an ICU nurse for the past 5 yrs. now. Right now, I work in a combined ICU/CCU unit in a 350-bed private hospital and I also do per-diem in a Level-I trauma that has 65 ICU beds total (CCU/MICU/SICU/Neuro-ICU/Trauma). I'm a certified CCRN and am planning on taking either the CMC or CSC. I need other's input about my plans into CRNA school. I'm currently enrolled in a ACNP program, just started my first semester but I am doubting if I should continue and finish it. I'm not motivated with the ACNP right now because I am taking the core-classes and it is sooo much work for a degree I may not even use, just as a back-bone to CRNA school. I know there are a bunch of APNs out there that went on to get their post-master in CRNA. I'd like to know if the hard work towards an NP degree is worth it for prior to applying to CRNA school. I've heard mixed feelings about this idea because you have to explain why you did not apply to CRNA school first. I go to a private and most expensive university in the U.S. and am glad my hospital is paying my tuition 100%, excluding fees.
Shall I continue with the ACNP program or continue to work 2 jobs earn 6 figures and save it for CRNA school. BTW, my overall GPA is 3.25 and my sciences are 3.7.
PLEASE GIVE SOME ADVICE...

- So why did you start ACNP in the first place? I mean why didn't you just wait to go into CRNA school? And why all of a sudden now do you want to go to CRNA school?

Your GPA seems good, if you have good experience from a high acuity, high intensity ICU/CCU, combined with your CCRN and CMC and/or CSC then you should be ok. Most people who go to take graduate classes are those who did not get into CRNA school when they applied the first time and in order to show that they could handle the work etc. They go and take grad-level core courses to prove their ability. I don't think it helps or hurts you, it's pretty negligible in my opinion. You may or may not have to explain yourself, but if i was you I would be prepared to explain myself.

And also, if your hospital is paying for your school 100% don't you own them time, or wouldn't you potentially have to pay them back? I hope you read the fine print because I'm pretty sure there are some stipulation that come along with that money. I'm pretty sure you're going to owe them something whether it be time worked or money.

And to be honest, you sound quite unsure about what you really want to do. If you're already making 6 figures, whats wrong with that? That most than A LOT of other RNs make. And if one of your answers is 'more money' you need to seriously reevaluate things because, sorry just saying.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Sep 26, 2013

I see no point in continuing the NP program if it is not what you eventually want to do. It's a waste of YOUR time and the HOSPITAL's $$. Plus, you are denying a seat in the program to someone who DOES want to become an NP.

If you really want to be a CRNA- then apply to a CRNA school. Why take a detour if an open road exists?

erwindt, MSN, RN · Sep 26, 2013

Thank you replying to my post. I've been wanting to do CRNA for a while, but you're right on your last comment... "you sound quite unsure about what you really want to do." That's why I started NP school because everyone were starting their masters and I felt left behind. I would not own anything from my hospital for going back to school. I've been with them 7 yrs. now. I know a lot of people that went back and then left after they finish their MSNs. I make 6 figures because I do 2-4 day/month per-diem at another hospital, which isn't that bad. I re-shadowed a CRNA 2 months ago to get a new perspective of the CRNA career. I understand money isn't always the case for CRNA. Their always on the go in the O.R.

Da_Milk_of_Amnesia, MSN · Sep 26, 2013

There is no timeline for life and other things. I spent 6 years total in undergrad to get my degree and then I had a whole host of crap go wrong with my first job and I finally ended up in CRNA school after I was told to find a different profession. Life has a funny way of working out, find something that you're truly passionate about and the rest is easy.

In a sort of analogous situation, I feel 'left behind' in the context of all my friends are getting married and having kids. But I'm like F that noise, thats not my path at the moment. I wouldn't go out and get married because I felt left behind. Thats just a waste of time.

Good luck to you.

nomadcrna, DNP, CRNA, NP · Sep 26, 2013

Having your ACNP will he a huge help as a CRNA. If you are already attending, I would recommend finishing it.