Anesthetist or Physicians Assistant?

[Future-nurse]

What would you rather be and why... Nurse Anesthetist or Physicians Assistant?

I am trying to decide and I dont know anyone who is either profession so I would really appreciate some feedback.

I know both make great money but I'm not sure how much either one enjoys their position...

[TiredMD]

There is a fundamental philosophy difference between nursing and medicine that it might be worthwhile to explore, prior to making a decision between PA and CRNA. In addition to money and actual job reponsibilities, understanding how your potential colleagues think can play in a big role in whether or not you will fit into the field.

[ChulaManChula]

There is much to go thru to get thru either of those programs, and the subsequent licensure that goes with both. It is very hard in the beginning to decide which specialty in anything that you would like before you have even started basic nursing training, if that is what you want to do. Any of the specialty's in nursing now require at least the MSN for the Advanced Practice role and there are also strict requirements to even be able to get into one of these programs.

It is actually harder now to get into a CRNA program than it is for medical school. Without having any experience in the field of medicine or any training in it, how do you know that this something that you wish to do? You also need to be aware of the fact that you will not be working for more than 2 years while in a CRNA program and will incur loans and debts of about $150,000 that will need to be taken care of when you finish.

Suggest that you do much more research on the specific programs that you are interested in than just the paycheck that comes with it. There is much that you should be aware of. We do have forums here for the nursing specialties as well as a pre-CRNA forum.

Harder to get into CRNA school than medical school...give me a break NURSE! Most of the nurses that I know can't spell "medical school". Since CRNAs are nurses...well.

[ChulaManChula]

The only reason you function independently in some states is politics and the CRNA lobbying machine, not because of skill or that your are physicians. Physicians are doctors of medicine for a reason: not just to do procedural work like CRNAs but to actually think.

[prmenrs, RN]

This is a REALLY old thread.

I can spell medical school, but ChulaMan, you don't know the difference between "your" and "you're".

You're trolling.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Anyone else wondering what Future-Nurse decided, three years later?

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

Anyone else wondering what Future-Nurse decided, three years later?

HA! I was wondering the same thing, Klone!

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

This is a REALLY old thread.

I can spell medical school, but ChulaMan, you don't know the difference between "your" and "you're".

You're trolling.

Thank you, prmenrs.