CRNA or ACNP? or both???

[paliRN7]

I am currently a nurse in the Neuro ICU, trying to decide what between becoming a CRNA and an Acute Care NP in the ICU. I am very much interested in both. As crazy as this sounds, I am actually considering getting my Masters for ACNP then getting a post masters for CRNA. Is this is waste of time or would I actually be able to use both degrees, doing part of the month in the OR and part of the month in the ICU? The hospital I currently work for would help me pay for the ACNP degree, which would help. I would like to try to make a decision so I can apply to start school in Fall 2011, thus I would need to start applying and getting everthing in order.

I appreciate any feedback and words of wisdom! Thanks!!!!

[ucan2ccrn]

In the long run you have to do whats best for you and your family. I started a FNP program a couple years ago before coming to the ICU and soon learned that my heart is with being a CRNA. Plus my backgroud in the OR and the PACU helped confirm my decision to pursue CRNA. I have taken all the MSN core classes, which helped to boost my GPA and can start clinicals in the fall, but I probably will not do this. Both career paths offers its own challenges and are rewarding. I have known NPs who have gone CRNA. The choice is yours. I like the variety of the OR. Check out these forums, you will find nurses who have done both.

[AbeFrohman, BSN, RN]

Absolutely you can do both. Many will say it is pointless, but you could work as a part time np and full time CRNA or vice versa. I know some rural hospitals that want a CRNA with an NP cert. They only do surgery tues and thurs so on the other days they want the CRNA/NP to staff their ER.

You can really do any combo you want. It may require moving or waiting for the right position to open but can e done.

I recommend getting the CRNA first however. 1) they more sticklers about who gets in and like to see that acute care nursing experience to be recent (they won't count ACNP) 2) you'll take gross anatomy, tons of physiology, and tons of pharm and will truly be a master of these at the end of CRNA. This will make ventilator settings, choosing drips, and deep understanding of disease a breeze in ACNP school. All you'll really need to learn is long term management stuff and a little extra assessment.

[AbeFrohman, BSN, RN]

Oh, it will also be financially beneficial to do CRNA first since you cannot work nearly as much in CRNA school since it is both very intense and they do not allow part time schooling, whereas you can do part time NP and make far more money doing part time CRNA work and pay for your schooling out of pocket.

[SaltyNurse]

Take a close look at the curriculum for both types of programs as well as try to find shadowing opportunities for both. I've heard (don't know the particulars) that neither degree is cheap. It makes more sense to determine which career path is the better fit for you.

[Winding]

Would you be willing to update us on your current choices? This is exactly what I'm planning on doing, because I'd like to see pain management and scope of care changed, and will need to get both certs prior to doing what I'd like to do.