CRNA & NP: Advantages??

Published

Just wondering if there would be any advantages to being a CRNA and having an NP license? Maybe one could provide more comprehensive follow up care? Possibly be able to prescribe meds to help counteract side effects of the anesthesia such as nausea, etc... or are CRNA's already able to do this? Also I was wondering what a CRNA's role is in a pain clinic setting if there is one, I've seen small mentionings of this on AANA's website under scope of practice but can't really make any conclusions on it. Do CRNA's prescribe management for chronic pain, etc.....?

Thanks,

Jiffy...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

CRNA's can apply for prescription authority - they, like NP's, are advanced practice nurses...CRNA's just have more clinical time, and some (my program) have more didactic hours as compared to NP's in order to graduate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You will make more $$$$$ as a CRNA as you will find more of a demand for CRNA's than NPs. But, I think you would have more opportunites for independent practice as an NP especially in more urban areas.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I really see no advantage. I'm letting my NP certification expire this September. Anything that gets in the way of moving patients through the system is detremental to the bottom line. Seriously, why pay a CRNA to do tasks that a NP or PA can do for less $$. It seems nice to see the "big picture" and to have that follow-up capability (did my patients have PONV/pain post-op), but from a patient safety standpoint, you can't stay competent in both fields for very long.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That makes perfect sense, never thought of it from that standpoint.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I really see no advantage. I'm letting my NP certification expire this September. Anything that gets in the way of moving patients through the system is detremental to the bottom line. Seriously, why pay a CRNA to do tasks that a NP or PA can do for less $$. It seems nice to see the "big picture" and to have that follow-up capability (did my patients have PONV/pain post-op), but from a patient safety standpoint, you can't stay competent in both fields for very long.

Excellent insight BigDave.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion