AGNP to CRNA

[AGNP_QT]

Hi y'all.

Wanted to connect and get advice from anyone who has done this.

Quick background: I worked as an AGNP in Philly for almost two years before moving to a more rural area for my husband's job. At the time of the move, I was full-term and gave birth to our child and just super burnt out from primary care. I took 3 months off to focus on baby and wasn't quite ready to return FT. I took up a Per Diem RN gig to keep my feet wet-- no per diem options as an NP in this area (I've searched high and low).

At this point, RN's are making out only a few dollars below the APP's and it doesn't seem worth it to return to that role with increased responsibility and liability. I am considering doing two things:

1. Applying to an ICU position (pay is pretty good, 3 x 12s, I still get to be home with my baby 4 days a week; decent pay compared to APP)

2. Applying to CRNA school down the road when kiddos are in school

 

I did consider applying straight to CRNA school but ran into the good old "1-2 years ICU experience required". My RN experience is CV surgery stepdown for 4 years. My experience is mostly lacking in ECMO and ventilators, not that that matters.

 

Anyways..... has anyone gone from being an APP to ICU RN? and then CRNA?  

[WillResuscForCookies]

I have a classmate who was an ANCP when he applied to our program. That being said, he had a few years of experience as an APP in an ICU setting, and before that was an ICU nurse for five years.

I suspect that whether or not a program will except your time as an ACNP in lieu of ICU experience will vary. Your best bet is probably to pick a sample of 5 or so, reach out to them, and see what they say. Should give you a general idea of what the trend is.

Good luck!