CRNA to FNP

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Greetings to all. Im a CRNA with Master's and 23 credits from Acute NP Program from approximately 10 years ago (started out that route). At this time, looking to certify for FNP and am a resident of NYS. Looking for a post-master's certificate program, ran into the following difficulties:

1. Masters Degree in Anesthesia doesn't qualify for the entree to post masters certificate pr. Only MSN would do, and mine is MS in Anesthesia.

2. NYS state residents are not eligible for application to many online programs nationwide. Unfortunately for me, due to my anesthesia job (I am an often solo provider in a rural hospital, working in MDA-free zone, doing full scope including OB, etc) and a small child, I can not relocate and have to go the online route.

Anyone with dual CRNA FNP has any prior experience with school choosing and advice?

These programs run about $1,000/credit and would mercilessly make me take all the same courses I took in CRNA and acute care NP schools, including research etc., and all for a hefty 40G and a couple of years.

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Just curious as to why you are pursing your NP post graduate certificate after 10 years?

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Specializes in Urology.

I'm also curious as to why you would want an FNP after being in Anesthesia for 10 years. If you want better hours its not that difficult to find a job that works 8's, heck even a part time rural CRNA would probably make as much as a full time NP. If I were in your shoes, I wouldnt budge!

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Adding the NP certification as a CRNA can often widen your scope of practice (pain services/admitting/medication ordering etc.) depending on the state you live in.

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Thank you for explaining it so well WTB. I work in a very rural environment, oftentimes providing anesthesia AND critical care services for ICU, ER. In addition there is a need for outpatient pain management. I work without MDAs in a state that doesn't recognize CRNAs as APRNs, so oftentimes surgeons have to pick up the paperwork. FNP cert. would free them from this extra responsibility, restore my dignity from having them consign. ;) and make an overall contribution to my scope of practice, not to mention all the extra knowledge. :)

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https://npprogramsearch.aanp.org/Search. This is the link from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners website for accredited programs. You can filter the type of certificate or degree that you are interested in. I hope this helps.
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Thank you!

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Hi!

I am actually a FNP x 6 years and I will be starting my CRNA program in DC this fall. So, pretty much doing the opposite. :) I love being a NP....just kinda boring in the outpatient setting. I was an inpatient NP in Cali and it was awesome, but you work the hours of a surgical resident...so not awesome. I am looking forward to my CRNA program!!

Good luck with your FNP role...you will like it, and I think you will find it an easy transition.

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Good luck to you! I am actually not looking to get away from anesthesia, just to broaden my privileges in pain, admitting etc :)

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Check out the FNP program at Northeastern University. It is designed for the working person. You must be committed, but it is very doable and flexible. Good luck.

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Thank you. Does NE accept NYS residents?

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Specializes in Trauma, post operative open heart, medical devices.
On 1/27/2016 at 7:02 PM, mk28 said:

Thank you. Does NE accept NYS residents?

Hi! Reading through this thread now; I’m interested to see where you ended up?

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