Crna/np

dfk, RN, CRNA · Sep 9, 2007

I would like to know if becoming a NP and the getting your certificate as a crna is different then getting a crna degree? Are the job requirments the same? I was planning to get my Master degree and am VERY interested in crna. Any advise or information welcomed thanx.......car2614

your idea of getting a certificate in anesthesia after getting your NP would only prolong the goal.

there is no shortcut to becoming a CRNA.

the only thing you may benefit with time is if you are enrolled in a CRNA program that offers MSN with anesthesia focus. you could knock out 1-3 classes. that's really it. if you were to enroll in an MS in anesthesia, your previous NP degree will essentially (perhaps) knock out your research component, should you have one, in the anesthesia program.

my advice is, if you truly want CRNA, go for that first. then, if you want, get certificate in NP, which will probably be a little easier..

hope this helps some~

kskites · Sep 9, 2007

Well , they are two different professions in a way, even though both the NP and CRNA are considered advance nursing roles,however they are to very, very different speacialities. Both you earn a MSN, CRNA earn more money, CRNP less. My advice to you, would be to just go on the schools you are considering website and compare the cirrculum and decide which one you can do via. time, money, patience.

Good Luck,

dfk, RN, CRNA · Sep 9, 2007

Well , they are two different professions in a way, even though both the NP and CRNA are considered advance nursing roles,however they are to very, very different speacialities. Both you earn a MSN, CRNA earn more money, CRNP less. My advice to you, would be to just go on the schools you are considering website and compare the cirrculum and decide which one you can do via. time, money, patience.
Good Luck,

the first bold statement is not true. that depends on the state you are in. currently where i am, CRNA is not APN, but an RN who is certified in nurse anesthesia.

the second is also not true. this depends on the school you attend. some offer MSN and some offer MS.

before you offer advice, i would ask that you are clear as to what you are speaking of...

kskites · Sep 9, 2007

the first bold statement is not true. that depends on the state you are in. currently where i am, CRNA is not APN, but an RN who is certified in nurse anesthesia.
the second is also not true. this depends on the school you attend. some offer MSN and some offer MS.
before you offer advice, i would ask that you are clear as to what you are speaking of...

Well, I am not going to turn this into something ugly,however I am a CRNP and the from my research I do not know any states that allow new crna to work without an advance degree meaning wheather its a master's of science( generic degree without a speciality) or a master's of science in nursing. And second, a CRNA is a registered nurse with an advance degree/certificate, hence a nurse in an advanced practice role. Anyway good luck both of you guys, nursing decision making is hard enough without seeming attackful to each other if our opionions differ its o.k I understand us nureses.

gasmaster · Sep 10, 2007

I would like to know if becoming a NP and the getting your certificate as a crna is different then getting a crna degree? Are the job requirments the same? I was planning to get my Master degree and am VERY interested in crna. Any advise or information welcomed thanx.......car2614

If you are a NP you must work x number of hours per year in that role to maintain your certification, or you lose it. If you are going to practice as a CRNA you would not be able to use that to maintain your NP, so what is the point? Also, the 2 roles are so diverse that the NP would be a waste of time if you aren't going to practice. Lastly, most CRNA programs require that you have CURRENT critical care experience, so unless you plan to continue working in ICU while getting your NP you would not meet the requirements to apply for CRNA. :madface:

car2614 · Sep 30, 2007

:thankya: Thanx