CNM to CRNA...

Published

Greetings all,

This is my first time posting, and for those of you who subcribe here and have answered my personal queries, my greatest thanks.

Along with many, I too am interested in becoming a CRNA. My background, however, appears significantly different from the majority considering pursuing this goal. As such, any thoughts you may have are greatly appreciated.

Currently, I am a certified nurse midwife, having graduated in 1990 with an MSN from Yale University. I practiced full-scope nurse midwifery for ~ 6 years prior to beginning a research career. I find myself with a desire to return to clinical care, but to a profession which might reward hard work and skill. I am researching post-master's certificate programs in anesthesia, but was looking for an insider's view before I launch full force into this. Have you known others who have moved from one area of advanced practice nursing into anesthesia? Any thoughts on post-master's programs? I live in the DC/Baltimore area and am hoping not to move to attend school.

As I've been on the admin/research end for about 5 years, my clinical skills clearly need updating. Any thoughts on how I might gather that all important adult critical care experience?

This board has been a wealth of information, and thought it would continue to be so ;-)

I do indeed thank you for your time and your thoughts.

babycatcher

Just realized, I hadn't answered the question. Babycatcher, I'm not aware of any post-master's certificate programs for MSN prepared CRNA students. Not to say they don't exist, just I am not aware of any.

As already pointed out, there are not many anesthesia related classes that you "already have." Even the pharm and anatomy courses have a specific anesthesia stress. I would recommend that you look into programs that offer MSNA (Master's of Science in Nurse Anesthesia) degrees rather than MSN's. The biggest difference in the two types of programs is that to obtain a MSNA, you don't need the coursework required by the NLN and ANA for a MSN, specifically, the nursing theory and some other foolish course. Since you are already involved in research, talk to the program director about perhaps not having to take the research course that most programs require.

The program I attended at Newman University, in Wichita, Kansas, is such a program. Check out their website:

http://www.newmanu.edu/gradnan.html

A bonus is that this program is only two years, which is the shortest length program out there.

Kevin McHugh, CRNA

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Kevin,

Thanks for the information. When researching the aana.com site, there were actually 17 programs with post-master's options. Given the sheer volume, I thought folks might have had some thougts about which were best. My goal in reserching post-master's programs was exactly this issue you addressed above, namely that of not wishing to repeat statistics courses, nursing theory, professional issues classes, and others that might not be focused on that which I truly need - A & P, patho, and lots of pharm and anesthesia-related courses.

I'm also hoping to stay close to home (Maryland), as we're fairly well established (ie: husband is a tenured faculty professor not in a position to move). I'm looking at programs in PA and Wash, DC area primarily.

Another quick question, if I might. How late is too late to begin? I'm certainly no spring chicken at this time, and I wonder about the ROI of this endeavor. I think it's what everyone here considers - 2 years out of the work force, loans, etc. But I think most will have a longer work horizon than I might. Just curious.

Thanks again,

Lisa

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There is a program at DePaul that offers a MSN in Generic Nursing and then another cert program for the APNs that are already a

Nurse I looked at another one at Rush Pres. St. Luke and compared the Pharm, anatomy classes with the ones offered for the MSN at DePaul the ones at DePaul are 498 etc.. the ones at Rush are in the 500 levels, is the differance that the 500 classes are specific to Anesthesiology? :eek:

Do you think I should talk to someone about my plans I am close to Park Ridge where the AANA is located I'm asking because I'm kinda scared to go and ask this since I'm not even a Nurse but I have questions...

:confused:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Baby Catcher,

Villanova offers what is you are looking for. I just started their program as a non traditional student, in that I am taking all the core requisites first before beginning my clinicals next year. I can tell you this much that so far I am impressed with what I have seen. The director of the CRNA program is very nice. Her name is Betty Wildgust, and you can reach her at Lankenau hospital at the school of anesthesia. I am sure that she would be happy to provide you with the information that you need.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Marian,

Thank you so very much for the information. This is the program that holds the most promise for me (in terms of meeting both my geographic needs as well as a need for a less traditional approach). Would you be willing to discuss additional information with me off-line?

Thanks again,

Lisa

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Qwiigley that was a New Mexico Salary.

Baby Catcher Let me know if you are considering Georgetown, i would be glad to talk to you about it. I currently live in Silver Spring MD. Which part are you in? BTW G-town is a MS in NA so no nursing theory stuff here.

craig

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Craig,

Welcome to the East Coast! And to Maryland. We live in Annapolis (building a home as we speak!). Georgetown is also on my list; not sure how the two (G'town and Villanova) compare tuition-wise. And yes, I'd love to pick your brain. Thank you. It does sound, however, that G'town is highly research focused. Would you be able to comment on the credit hours devoted to research?

Also, have really enjoyed reading your career-log; very informative and amusing.

Lisa

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Originally posted by babycatcher

Another quick question, if I might. How late is too late to begin? I'm certainly no spring chicken at this time, and I wonder about the ROI of this endeavor. I think it's what everyone here considers - 2 years out of the work force, loans, etc. But I think most will have a longer work horizon than I might. Just curious.

Thanks again,

Lisa

Lisa

NEVER TOO OLD! I didn't start my BSN program until I was 33. I started my CRNA program at 39, and graduated at 41. And yes, it was well worth my time. I knew a woman who went to Texas Wesylan's program, graduating at 55. So, don't worry about it.

Kevin

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Kevin,

55!! That's amazing. When I remember my master's days, we had a woman in our graduating class who was in her 50s and pursuing psychiatric nursing. She was fabulous - brought a great deal of maturity and perspective to our program.

I hope you don't mind a question of a personal nature, Kevin, but what type of work did you do until your early 30s? And how did you know you wanted to become a CRNA? Did you enter nursing knowing that your ultimate goal was to become a CRNA? Your path seems quite straight once you entered nursing school. You may have already posted the answer to this query; if so, I'll look for the posting.

Thanks for the encouragement!

Lisa

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Lisa

I don't mind answering. I spent 14 years in the US Army, doing absolutely non-nursing, non-medical things. When I got out, I knew I was going to pursue nursing, and my ultimate goal all along was to become a CRNA. I kind of figured on having to wait a couple of more years, but had the good fortune of having a program open in my home town just about the time I figured I was ready to go back.

Kevin McHugh

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I got an email that said you responded but just got to open my email just now if yes the chigirl=stpehanie, thanks for replying, glad to know I'm not the only one :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

strike the message above this...sorry I'm rushing.....not reading

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion