CRNA vs. NP

[jcam072515]

So. I am currently in an RN program. I have two semesters left until I receive my RN. My school is set up in a more non-traditional way where we do our RN in two years, you take a job, sit for your boards, and then do your BSN classes online.

I know that I still have quite a bit left before I can even consider the possibility of grad school but at the same time, I am the type of individual that functions off of the need to have a larger goal to work toward and the desire to know which direction I need to go.

When I did my OR rotation (which wasn't a lot of OR exposure but I sat in through several surgeries, GI lab procedures, spoke with several surgeons, and several CRNA's) I was absolutely enthralled and in love with the OR. Before nursing school, I worked as a CSA at an LTACH and I'm not going to lie, I have gotten fairly burned out on patient care...it scares me because I'm not even a nurse yet! Right now, I work in telemetry while in school and absolutely love it, although sometimes I kind of miss some patient care but not enough to take a different role. I do love people, but I am an INFJ so I just need a role that will give me contact with people and patients but be limited in order not to feel drained. Lol Anyway, I say that to say that I think personality-wise a CRNA is a good fit for me but there are some areas of major uncertainty. I do consider myself a good student, but I do have to work for my grades. As a nursing student, I put in a lot of study hours...as many as some of you who are in CRNA school. I honestly don't consider myself as talented in science but I am absolutely in love with medicine, which as I understand is not enough for CRNA school as it is heavy in science.

When I began college, I wanted to go to med school and ended up choosing the nursing path because I really struggled with the pre-med science courses. I guess that I am a bit down on myself and wonder if I'm even smart enough to do something like this. I can/do have the discipline to study and make studying my life but how am I so sure that that alone is enough?? Another point of concern is that I do have a family. I am married and am a mother of an 8 month old and I know that those three years of intense schooling will be hard on them.

I love a good challenge and I do absolutely love the OR so I feel like the CRNA route would (if I could make it through school) be a great fit. I have also considered the NP role but am concerned that I will become bored and just not feel as fulfilled and just feel limited in my scope of practice. I know that NP generally take extremely basic cases and am not sure if that will make me happy. I am not saying this to downplay the NP role because I am still also considering this but no NP has gone to medical school and nurses are not trained the same as an MD, so I do not believe that the cases would be complex in nature. Of course, correct me if I am wrong because I do want as much info as possible for each advanced practice role. The one thing that does sound appealing with NP is that I could go the route of OGNP as I love L&D.

I would just like some HONEST feedback that might help me figure out which direction would be a good goal for me.

Also, how long would you wait to begin grad school? I know that there are hour requirements that have to be met (I think 2,000 hrs?) but those can generally be met in about 1-1.5 years of working full time. I have also been told that I should wait a while before entering grad school so that I can understand it better. I also do want to get done with school though because as of right now I'm 29 and time is not so much on my side anymore.

Sorry for for the long post, but I have had so much on my mind lately and just want to be in a job that I love and that will be enough to help support my family and give my family a good, fulfilling life. ������

[Jules A, MSN]

You have so much time. Get out work as a RN in a field or two that interests you and see what you think. Then focus on a RN job that will set you up for success in the advanced role you decide to pursue. CRNA or first assist are excellent choices for those who love OR. Right now the CRNA still actually has experience and admission requirements which would make it more attractive to me than most NP programs who will admit anyone who can pay tuition. You are the type of new nurse who inspires me to mentor. Best wishes for a long and happy career.

[jcam072515]

Thank you for the reply! What do you mean by the "CRNA still actually has experience and admission requirements which would make it more attractive to me than most NP programs"?

Are you an APRN? The reason I'm asking is that for some reason I feel that you have some sort of insight that makes me concerned about which advanced practice role I end up choosing. I also wonder why there aren't more CRNAs vs. NP's? For some reason the NP seems to be the "most do-able route"? Just feelings I get from what people say. I always have kind of thought it was maybe that not everyone is comfortable with the idea of administering anesthesia.

I guess either way, it's just going to take me getting out in the field and working. I work within the ICU and love the idea of being a CCRN and also love the idea of being an L&D nurse.