A rant and a question re: CRNA master’s program

[RN_2001]

Hello all,

So I’ve been a (BSN) nurse for many years and finally decided to go back for a master’s in anesthesia only to find that the programs at the master’s levels have been phased out already even though they don’t really need to be until 2022?!

I am so freaking frustrated, especially because the anesthesia accreditation website shows search results for schools in my state when I select “master’s” for the search ?

How will this new requirement affect the demand for anesthetists when people (like me) don’t want to get a doctorate and say never mind, forget it? Yes, it’s “only” an additional year in school but...just no. /rant

Anyone know of any online master’s CRNA programs for out of state students?

Many thanks in advance.

[murseman24, MSN, CRNA]

On 2/3/2020 at 2:12 AM, RN_2001 said:

Three undergraduate degrees, presidential Scholarship recipient, BSN from a Top Ten school with a 4.0 GPA, CCRN, CEN certifications, TNCC, PALS, ACLS, BLS, preceptor, charge nurse and a multiple-time participant in a career advancement ladder and you think this has to do with not wanting to put in effort? Wow, OK.

I had pretty similar statistics when I applied. I no longer feel special. Everyone in CRNA school is smart and motivated. You can work during the extra 8 months that it takes to complete the DNP portion.

[DreameRN, BSN]

I get the lament about the money. I do and agree--I applied to 3 masters and 1 doctorate program for the same reasons you outlined--I'm also older, and I wanted to be able to start working as soon as possible, regaining that paycheck 9-11 months sooner. I got in the doctorate and so be it and I'm glad now.

If you read into the politics and familiarize yourself with the history, and politics of NA, you will begin to understand why the move to doctorate occurred. Most states are fighting a battle legislatively and in the public, with physicians for recognition of NA skill--that we are safe and independent providers and have equal abilities in the OR and that our years of clinical experience and schooling are important along with SO many other things. I'm sorry though, I wish there was a better option for you without moving.

[TraumaRed, BSN]

OP you lost me when you peacocked about your credentials. It's okay to rant, it's a result of passion. Good luck in your endeavors.

[vitone215, BSN]

Honestly, I would have preferred to start a masters program too, one less year, less debt etc but the doctorate was not a deal breaker for me, neither was moving my family out of state. I guess you should decide if you really want to be a CRNA. NPs are still widely MSN so that's always a option. Good luck.

[PresG33]

Every ICU in America is full of nurses who at one point wanted to go to CRNA school and decided not to for whatever reason. They had kids, didn’t want to move, was too expensive, wanted to do a masters instead of doctorate. Whatever the reason, the desire to put up with the huge money/time/effort commitment just wasn’t there. I commuted 2+ hours a day, had my wife and kids alone while I was at school or clinicals, and took out more loans than I could ever imagine. But it led to me having a great job that I honestly love and pays well. If it is important to you to feel the same, then it won’t matter if it’s a doctorate or masters. If it isn’t worth it, then that’s fine too. But just don’t be one of those nurses serving 7 to life in the unit wishing they had gone to school and regretting it. Make your decision based on the next 20 years, not the one extra year.

[Defibn', RN, EMT-P]

2 hours ago, PresG33 said:

Every ICU in America is full of nurses who at one point wanted to go to CRNA school and decided not to for whatever reason. They had kids, didn’t want to move, was too expensive, wanted to do a masters instead of doctorate. Whatever the reason, the desire to put up with the huge money/time/effort commitment just wasn’t there. I commuted 2+ hours a day, had my wife and kids alone while I was at school or clinicals, and took out more loans than I could ever imagine. But it led to me having a great job that I honestly love and pays well. If it is important to you to feel the same, then it won’t matter if it’s a doctorate or masters. If it isn’t worth it, then that’s fine too. But just don’t be one of those nurses serving 7 to life in the unit wishing they had gone to school and regretting it. Make your decision based on the next 20 years, not the one extra year.

My sentiments exactly. You put it more eloquently.