CRNA vs. Perfusionist

[rexy]

Hi everyone,

I hope I'm putting this in the correct spot. I am still a nursing student, and I am doing some very basic research/exploration on different paths to take with my degree. I don't have a set path in mind, so I'm just asking out of curiosity for the sake of brainstorming. I know the basics of what CRNAs do and what perfusionists do, but does anyone have any opinion or additional info about these two specialties? I guess I'm just curious about the schooling (length of it, difficulty, pre-reqs, etc.), the responsibility, the salary (not that important to me but just thought I'd ask), workload, satisfaction....does anyone have any experience with being a perfusionist? They seem more elusive than CRNAs. ? I'd love to hear anyone's take. Sorry this is sort of vague. Thank you in advance for your time.

[paul3489]

Hi Lucky you

Know this post is from a few years ago but I was wondering if you d be able to give me an update. Perfusion school was just introduced to me by a colleague and it sounds like an interesting field. for you to switch out of it to crna raises some questions though... would love to hear back from you - thank you

[Llhook]

Hi Rexy,

With my BSN I also considered both paths. There was a perfusion school and a CRNA program in Tucson where I was working at the time. I only had a about a year of experience out of school and got into UAs perfusion program (but not the CRNA program).

Luckyou is right about 80k being a starting salary, but I've had my CCP for 3 years now and currently live in Washington. I make ~120k (I'm paid a base wage plus a case bonus). I believe a CRNA does makes more, but my work load is reasonable. I typically never work a 40 hour week, but I do take 30% call, and when vacations/ecmos happen I will work a 60-70 hour week.

I personally like the autonomy that CCPs have, they are responsible for themselves and they pretty much only report to the surgeons. It's a nice field of you are tired of constant oversight.

So I believe it depends on what kind of lifestyle that you want. I had to move to get a job as a perfusionist, but I believe as a CRNA you probably could get one in the state/city you are in.

For me it was a great career change and I love what I do. Good of luck to you and I hope you find a career path that works for you!

Lisa BSN, MS, CCP

[SunnyD3]

Hi Llhook,

Hope you check back here soon... Your post put me at so much ease but I still have questions that I hope you or someone else can chime in. I'm at a point where I want to do a career change at 39 and I'm not sure which career is best for slowing down. What are some options as a Perfusionist gets older? I have heard that there's more flexibility to make these shifts as an RNA. What do you think?

[KC_wa]

Llhook, I'm not sure if you are still checking this thread, but I'm hoping maybe you are subscribed. I am debating perfusion vs crna and am trying to find perfusion shadowing opportunities in the Seattle area. I'd love to hear how you arranged yours. You mentioned you are in WA... state or DC? Please email me if you see this. Pcrunner126 at gmail dotcom. Thanks so much!!