CRNA vs. MD

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Hi everyone!

I am finishing up Biochemistry this semester and am in the probably all too common debate of pursuing CRNA vs. MD. My hope is to get feedback from current CRNA's as far as work-life balance, job satisfaction, school experience etc. Do or have any of you possibly regretted not pursuing MD? I am aware this is a nursing forum and am not trying to cause any issues; so, if this is not allowed or will cause negativity to come about please delete or ignore my post. However, I am optimistic I can hear back from you all in hopes of helping me through my decision. Thank you in advance! :)

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Are you even a nurse yet?

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Yes since 2011.

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Specializes in CRNA.

Work life balance varies between practice position s but not by CRNA and MD. Both can have crazy hours depending on the setting. Many CRNAs have great job satisfaction but not all. I was encouraged to go the medical route in high school because I was smart-like nurses don't need to be smart. I've never regretted my decision.

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Specializes in ICU.

Logistically, it would probably make sense to go CRNA if you are already an RN--that's half the battle. Are you working in ICU currently?

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You'll save a lot of time going the CRNA route, and the national trend is shifting to CRNA utilization in the acute care setting. Consider that

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Great to hear your feedback! Oh yeah definitely heard the "nurses don't need to be smart"... if only it was that easy to be a nurse. I am glad to hear your enjoying your practice and have no regrets.

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Yes, I have been a PICU nurse since 2011. That was my thought process as well; but, just want to make sure I weigh out options you know? Especially since its pretty much life changing decision and a huge commitment with either route.

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Is the trend changing because of the health reform? Or is it something inevitable that was going to happen? I do see a lot more CRNA's in our hospital and an outpatient facility where I PRN. Usually less than handful of anesthesiologist.

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If I had to guess, probably because Medicare reimburses CRNAs at 85% of the MD rate, but the MDs want twice the money, or more.

To be fair, with their loans, 200k is nothing.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
If I had to guess, probably because Medicare reimburses CRNAs at 85% of the MD rate, but the MDs want twice the money, or more.

To be fair, with their loans, 200k is nothing.

With who's loans? What about 200k?

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I meant that with the amount of debt that many medical students end up with, a salary of 200k is peanuts.

I don't know what kind of debt the CRNA's have, but I think it is definitely less.

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