CRNA ACNP combination

MaleAPRN · May 9, 2004

Hi everybody I am new to the board and just considering advanced practice schools. I am curious what the group thinks about the advantageous and disadvantageous of training both as CRNA and an ACNP. I have worked several places in the country where the ICUs I worked in were staffed by physician intensivists; most who came from an anesthesia background then did a critical fellowship. Thinking along those lines what would be available for a nurse intensivist with a CRNA background as well? Do you think this is a good combination, feasibly impossible, or a waste of time? Thanks in advance for your views.

Hi,

I recently got accepted to NA school and will be starting this August. I am also a Nurse Practitioner as well. Although I am a Family Nurse Practitioner, most of my training was focused in the acute care setting. I have been a nurse since 1996 and have a combined ICU and ER background. I was also hired into the ER as an NP 2 years ago where I worked as a staff nurse.

If anyone had the chance or opportunity to become an NP, and then be a CRNA, I would highly recommend it. I know that it seems that it is too much...but, I truely believe that there will be a niche for this "dual" role (being a APRN/CRNA combo), especially in rural areas in high need for a Mid-level provider and a CRNA.

Just my .02 cents.

Vinny.

swumpgas · May 9, 2004

Hi,
I recently got accepted to NA school and will be starting this August. I am also a Nurse Practitioner as well. Although I am a Family Nurse Practitioner, most of my training was focused in the acute care setting. I have been a nurse since 1996 and have a combined ICU and ER background. I was also hired into the ER as an NP 2 years ago where I worked as a staff nurse.
If anyone had the chance or opportunity to become an NP, and then be a CRNA, I would highly recommend it. I know that it seems that it is too much...but, I truely believe that there will be a niche for this "dual" role (being a APRN/CRNA combo), especially in rural areas in high need for a Mid-level provider and a CRNA.
Just my .02 cents.
Vinny.

Just something to think about... conflicts in rolls in regard to standards, eg: prescriptive authority. I believe as an FNP, you need protocals, and the approved formulary? to work with? CRNAs have bypassed Prescriptive authority by choice as it would require a "collaborating MD" the type of person we like to avoid. While the concept is interesting, I think there are some things that should be looked at carefully.

My wife is an FNP with Rx authority, but I have always enjoyed the freedom of not having a list or collaborating MD to look out for,

I have gotten around the issue a few times when our hospital pharmacist has transferred an order I wrote in Hospital, to a community drugstore, enabling the patient to "pick up " the meds needed..

Just a lookout..

bwt02 · May 10, 2004

I am a new graduate FNP who also focused my training in acute care (Neurosurg, and Urgent Care). As a new CRNA student I think it is a great background to have. I am already used to working in an advanced practice role with a great amount of autonomy. In CA NP's are required to have a collaberative agreement. For me it is the ER doctor at a nearby ER. There are no physicians in the clinic and I call if I am over my head. I can write for all drugs except sch. 2's. I think it would be great to combine these roles in a pain management clinic or level one trauma ER. The ER may pose to much role confusion however.

athomas91 · May 10, 2004

CRNA's can have prescriptive authority....