I have been a nurse for about 2.5 yrs, and I have had a interest in CRNA school, but I have also considered going to medical school for my own personal reasons. I have been working in the ER for the past year and a half and I will be transferring to the SICU at the end of this month to gain critical care experience. I feel like I am kind of teetering between the two professions. When I completed my ADN in 2001 and told the ADN chair that I wanted to pursue a career in Nurse Anesthesia, she didn't sound too encouraging. She was like "that's hard to do, well good luck." One of the ER docs that I work with told me that he just doesn't see a future for Nurse Anesthesists, so why not just go to medical school. He asked me what kind of job would I find in Wisconsin. He said that going to school to be a CRNA would be a step to the side, not a step up.
I have weighed the benefits and setbacks associated with each. I know that I am capable of doing either, but when it comes to having kids, time commitment, and finances, it would be smarter to go to CRNA school. I could do all of those things and go to medical school, but I wouldn't be able to have kids until I am old, it would cost a lot more, and it would take longer to bouce back financially after medical school. I do have youth on my side right now.
I am really interested in what others have to say, any input would be appreciated.
Hehe, I'd love to go to CRNA school eventually. Let's see I'm almost 25, I work in telemetry/med-surg and will someday need to move into ICU. I need to stay a staff nurse long enough to where I feel that I have learned to be at least a proficient nurse and that my assessment skills are at a level where I would trust myself to sedate a patient . . Crud, I'm sure gonna be older than 28 by the time I'm done-I may actually need a walker!
Hehe, I'd love to go to CRNA school eventually. Let's see I'm almost 25, I work in telemetry/med-surg and will someday need to move into ICU. I need to stay a staff nurse long enough to where I feel that I have learned to be at least a proficient nurse and that my assessment skills are at a level where I would trust myself to sedate a patient . . Crud, I'm sure gonna be older than 28 by the time I'm done-I may actually need a walker!
You could do 20 years on your floor and you still won't ever feel comfortable when you're just starting out in an ICU. The floor to a "real" ICU is a huge step with a huge learning curve. Don't drag your feet...do it now.
It sounds like you have a big decision to make. I have some repetative advice that others have stated. I think that it is very important for you to shadow CRNAs & also physicians. I am not sure what kind of specialty you are looking into but I will put this bug out there. In my area of PA, the CRNAs make the same (or more) money than the family physicians in the area. If you are that close to completing your BSN, it sounds like you are already leaning toward a future in nursing. CRNA is an advanced practice and definitely a step up, not a lateral move as some have tried to tell you. It is important to know if you are willing to move or are staying put because independence & job availability will vary. Do your research and compare all aspects: hours, pay, education, available jobs, call time, assistance with school, and what is it that makes you the happiest.
susswood
144 Posts
It is if your life expectancy is 30!!!