I need direction

[RNsneedchange]

I will be returning to school in the fall and I am having some reluctancy as to which career I want to pursue. I have always had an interest in pharmacy, but had become a nurse instead. Now I am going back in hopes of becoming A CRNA. The closer I become the more nervous I get and second guess myself and my decisions. I guess I feel anesthesia is definetly more stressful than pharmacy, yet more fulfilling and exciting. Do I want excitement, along with stress, or relaxation and boredom? I imagine CRNAs salaries are higher, but isn't the pay comparable. Do you feel with all the responsibilitiy, that you are compensated accordingly. It is not all about the money to me, as I want to retire doing something I enjoy, that fulfills me. But I don't want to work under constant stress. I have a growing family, and I want to come home in one piece, if you know what I mean. I plan on looking into shadowing both professionals, but advice from you guys would greatly be appreciated, thank you.

[suzanne4, RN]

Anesthesia is much more stressful than being a pharmacist. There is not even a comparison. When you are in school for anesthesia, you won't have a life with your family, you will be studying all of the time when you are not in class. You will be working afternoons, nights, as well as weekends, and holidays. You will never get the 9-5 hours Monday-Friday, for at least the first few years. In order to survive in anesthesia you need to be able to cope with the adrenalin rush that you will be getting.

Perhaps, the best idea would be for you to shadow a CRNA for a day or two.

[pnurseuwm]

this question is for suzanne 4 and other SRNA or CRNA. At what level of your nursing education can you ask to shadow a CRNA? I'll be starting nursing school in the fall, but I would like to shadow a nurse anesthetist as soon as possible. Could I do it this summer, or do they usually want you to actually be in your clinicals?

[trakstar]

You can do this at any time. Contact your local CRNA program or hospital who use CRNAs and tell them you want to shadow a CRNA. I think it would be better if you found out if you wanted to be a CRNA sooner rather than later. I firmly believe that a day or two is not adequate. I shadowed, days, evenings, nights, weekdays, weekends and holidays. CRNA school is a significant investment. You should know what exactly you are getting into since you will be doing it for the rest of your life. Good Luck!!!

P.S. A good friend and I both thought about nursing or pharm. I choose nursing ->CRNA and she chose pharm. We are both equally stressed out.