Can't decide...ACNP before CRNA??

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Ok CRNAs, I need help! I'm a RN in a mixed SICU/CCU (2yrs exp.) and am about to enter my full time ACNP program, but have recently decided that my ultimate goal is to become a CRNA.

I'm completely stressed out and undecided over the decision about whether to complete my MA in acute care and THEn go to CRNA school, or to simply withdraw from my ACNP program, spend the next year preparing and go straight to CRNA school.

I'm the type who always thinks I need to know more, so my initial feelings were I need to do the acnp program in order to get the basics of acute care diagnosis and management and have a good basis on which to build the information from CRNA (e.g. having a good/better understanding of homeostatic mechanisms and treatments for diseases before learning the way anesthetics affect them...)

SO ladies who are ACNPs, CRNAs or both, did you do a masters degreee before you went to crna school? if you didn't, how well prepared do you feel you were in dealing with non-well patients with multiple co-morbidities, etc. and dealing with your knowledge in general of diagnosing and managing acute issues. do you feel that if you had better knowlege of these things crna school and work would be easier? or do you feel that crna school covers pathophys, diagnosis and management at a level on par with that of ACNPs and that you felt very well prepared and no underinformed/undereducated when you entered the CRNA workforce??

THanks!!

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I'm neither a CRNA or even an SRNA yet. With that aside...the only reason I could see for you to go both routes would be to do some acute care coverage on your off hours. Make CRNA school easier? Possibly, but i'm sure it's not worth all that extra effort when your terminal goal is that of a CRNA anyhow. They'll teach you what you need to know to be a proficient anesthesia provider.

Just my 2 cents...

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Hopefully some CRNA's will be along to answer your question. I have looked into this option. I currently have an MSN in management and leadership and a post-MSN adult health clinical nurse specialist. In looking at CRNA programs I found that this wouldn't have helped me at all - as the two are as different as an ACNP and a CNM.

Plus, I maxed my student loans so I can't get anymore money right now anyway.

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I just graduated with my NP from UCSF, and am starting anesthesia school at Kaiser (Los Angeles) this September. It may have helped me in the application/interview process, but overall if you can get in without the NP, I would suggest that route. My NP/MSN required alot over three years, not to mention cost. With that being said, I feel like I did gain a broader understanding of the global picture i.e. healthcare maintence, management of comorbidities, etc.

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I'm neither a CRNA or even an SRNA yet. With that aside...the only reason I could see for you to go both routes would be to do some acute care coverage on your off hours. Make CRNA school easier? Possibly, but i'm sure it's not worth all that extra effort when your terminal goal is that of a CRNA anyhow. They'll teach you what you need to know to be a proficient anesthesia provider.

Just my 2 cents...

Couldn't have said it any better.

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Well sir,

I think you will gain an extremely thorough education in CRNA school to more than prepare you to enter into practice. EWW, double the student loans for the same degree?

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Specializes in I know stuff ;).

sounds like alot of work and money to me! Why are you considering NP first just really interested or thinking you may not continue from there if you love it?

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Thanks to everyone for the advice...As it turns out, I finally saw the light. I withdrew from my ACNP program a few days ago, and will spend the next year taking refreshers/prereq. sciences and apply to CRNA schools next fall!

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