Could I follow Both Dreams? An FNP and then in the furure CRNA?

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I have wanted to attend CRNA school for a long time my best friends Mother was one before she retired and I always loved the lifestyle she was able to afford for her family as a single mom, she was always talking about her work and she loved it. I have been a Sports massage therapist and Personal Trainer for years and I decided after dreaming about this career for so long I am going to Nursing school and attain my dream of becoming a CRNA. I took a job as a Tech in a critical care unit in a level one trauma center and I have also attained a Mentor who is a Chief CRNA, but I noticed at work there are NP's who ask since you have so much experience in owning your own practice becoming a NP would make so much sense cause you can offre this service to your clients, I thought wow this is true and I really like educating people about taking care of themselves and the Dibetes educator really appeals to me since I am a fitness trainer it's a great match, BUT I have always wanted to be a CRNA and I find myself somewhat conflicted now! I discussed this with my mentor and she says I should do what many of her co-workers have done become a FNP and then later ad on CRNA it would give me a greater scope of practice and I would be able to offer so much to my clients and to open a amazing practice. But my question is this aren't there CRNA's who open practices just being a CRNA? Or is this a totally different animal? The FNP then CRNA does sound interesting I guess it's not different than those who choose to go on the medical School I just get the great benefit of being employed thorughout my career ladder! I am willing to do this and I have met four CRNA's who were FNP's first and then later went to CRNA school I was surprised by this! Is anyone familiar with this? Or does this seem like a silly waste of time. I am a MOm of two I would like to do some travel Nursing during the summers and I can take NP courses online at my Local University and only have to be in class for clinicals which is held during the fall so I could Travel Nurse during the summer, I could then build my NP practice and combine what I already do then I could attend CRNA school I think It would allow me to have enough money to pay for my education w/o loans out the rear. Any advice would be so appreciated. I think I have tought about this so much Im confusing myself. Some other clear input would be great! Thank You!

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

Why can't you be both? That's my plan =)

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Specializes in CRNA.
I discussed this with my mentor and she says I should do what many of her co-workers have done become a FNP and then later ad on CRNA it would give me a greater scope of practice and I would be able to offer so much to my clients and to open a amazing practice. But my question is this aren't there CRNA's who open practices just being a CRNA? Or is this a totally different animal? The FNP then CRNA does sound interesting I guess it's not different than those who choose to go on the medical School I just get the great benefit of being employed thorughout my career ladder! I am willing to do this and I have met four CRNA's who were FNP's first and then later went to CRNA school I was surprised by this! Is anyone familiar with this? Or does this seem like a silly waste of time. I am a MOm of two I would like to do some travel Nursing during the summers and I can take NP courses online at my Local University and only have to be in class for clinicals which is held during the fall so I could Travel Nurse during the summer, I could then build my NP practice and combine what I already do then I could attend CRNA school I think It would allow me to have enough money to pay for my education w/o loans out the rear. Any advice would be so appreciated.

#1, A FNP will not give you a greater scope of anesthesia practice, your CRNA determines the scope of your anesthesia practice

#2 it is not like medical school, you will not be equivelent to a MD, you will be a FNP if you are in the FNP role, and you will be a CRNA if you are in the CRNA role

#3 a FNP practice will not count toward the clinical ICU experience you need to gain entrance to a CRNA program

Your post was quite a challenge to read, I couldn't understand parts of it and maybe I misunderstood what you were asking

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Specializes in CRNA, Law, Peer Assistance, EMS.

If you are basing the decision on your financial needs and FNP would allow you to continue to work while training, and you NEED that income then that may be best. You will NOT be able to work while in anesthesia school. Many have tried!

I don't know any CRNAs who were once FNPs...and I know a lot of CRNAs...so it is not as common as you might think. It is a personal decision nut I really see little advantage. The strict answer to your questions is obviously YES you could do both.

The good news is that you have plenty of time to think about it since you sre not yet an RN!

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An excellent choice if you plan on spending the next 8+ years of your life in training programs!!!

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

I'm sorry; I guess I am a little confused by your post, too. It's much easier on us "oldsters" to see posts written in paragraph form rather than text-speak.

Are you currently enrolled in a nursing program? Bachelor's, associate's or diploma? Do you already have a bachelor's degree in another field and would thus be eligible for either an accelerated BSN program or an entry-level master's?

The reason I ask is because, if you are looking to pursue an advanced degree, you will likely need a bachelor's in nursing before you can get into a graduate program for either FNP or CRNA. The exceptions to this are RN to MSN bridge programs and entry level MSN programs---although keep in mind that while some entry level MSN programs equip you to become a nurse practitioner, some don't.

One of the best things about nursing is that there are many specialties and interests that can be pursued. I understand your desire to become a CRNA but it's not the right specialty for everyone. As has been said before here on AN, many nurses end up in the trap of going to graduate school too soon, before they're explored all their interests, and they run the risk of getting "stuck" in a career path that does not necessarily suit them. Honestly, I think one of the biggest arguments in favor of working for a few years before going on for a graduate degree is that one gets a chance to explore and "try out" different specialties before committing to a career track that requires specialization.

If you decide to become a CRNA, be aware that most, if not all, schools require critical care experience. Many nurse practitioner programs also require that applicants have some experience working as RNs.

Also be aware that these educational programs are lengthy. At one midwestern university, the master's program in nurse anesthesia is 78-80 credits and the master's program for FNP is 59-61 credits. Post-master's certificates are possible; the nurse anesthesia track requires 67-69 credits and the FNP post-master's certificate is 51 credits. Another midwestern university is phasing out its master's programs in favor if the DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice).

I am not at all trying to squelch your dreams but I do caution you to be realistic, particularly if you are not currently working as an RN or have not yet started an entry level nursing program. You certainly can become a nurse practitioner and then go on to become a CRNA but it will take you a lot of time and money to achieve these goals.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

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why not md if you are gonna spend so much time studying?

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthetist.

Honestly, it seems like you need to spend some time working as a critical care nurse before deciding. You may love being an education focused nurse. If you "thrive" on traumas and critical patients, you may be a good CRNA. If you like spending a lot of time focued on the patient, maybe a FNP is best for you. Like others have said before me, try being a nurse first. Enjoy the experience and then commit. Doing both seems really like a waste of time to me. (for all of the reasons stated above).

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