CRNA vs PMHNP

[Futurenurse2020]

I have surfed this forum and read pretty much every thread on both of these APRN specialties. I would like some help brain-storming if you don't mind. This has nothing to do with pay and everything to do with where I can see myself in the future (either one makes plenty of money regardless.) So I am currently in my first year of an ADN program but I thrive off of goals and direction. What I am looking for in both of these options is autonomous practice that I can enjoy for a lifetime. Also regardless of which path I choose I intend on doing at least one year of med-surg (while I get my BSN) then at least one year of specialty RN experience (ICU or Psych) before applying to any programs.

PMHNP- I live in Oregon, which just recently passed the np payment parity bill, from my research this bill has a sunset clause around 2018, so who knows if it will continue. The reason I mention this is because this makes owning my own independant practice very realistic if it continues past 2018. I am very interested in specifically psych NP because I feel the patients are neglected and stigmatized. I feel I would enjoy this line of work and feel I would be making a difference in the lives of my patients. Physical and mental health tend to go together, I just feel psych gets neglected because the stigma. If I went this route, I have my heart set on OHSU, and I think I would go the DNP route. The reason I would only want to go to OHSU is because it is in my home state, and it is a brick & mortar school.

CRNA- I do know all of the requirements that go along with even making it into a program and how competitive it is which is why I would apply throughout the nation. This brings up having to be away from family, from what I understand it is so time consuming that whether you are close to family or not does not really make a difference. CRNA's can be autonomous all across the country and that gives them the option of moving. CRNA's just have a super cool job, they are experts of the airway and get to use their mastery of pharmacology to keep people alive and pain free while the surgeon assaults their body. However CRNA's don't get to build a lasting relationship with patients like general practitioners do which can be both good and bad depending on the patient.

In either of these specialties I want to practice in my home state, have a good quality of life, and not have to worry about getting a job. Because NP schools have standards all over the board I want to attend OHSU, with CRNA schools being fairly standardized I would be willing to go anywhere for school as long as after my education I could practice in my home state. Either way I would be looking at around the same amount of time to be licensed and practicing (under best case scenarios.) Again, I know I have plenty of time seeing as I am 22 years old but I am a very goal driven person and would like feedback on my options.

[zmansc, ASN, RN]

I would suggest shadowing both and discussing the pros and cons of both careers with each. You've got plenty of time to help you determine which specialty will make you happiest.

Good Luck!

[Futurenurse2020]

I was under the impression it is fairly difficult to shadow psych providers because of HIPAA and how secretive people are about psych.

[elkpark]

I was under the impression it is fairly difficult to shadow psych providers because of HIPAA and how secretive people are about psych.

It is. But you will have clinical opportunities in your ADN program and once you are licensed and working to at least get a general feel for what psych NP and CRNA practice would be like.

[mtsteelhorse]

I live in a small community and have had no problem shadowing PMHNPs. The provider asks permission of the client, they sign something, I sign something and it's all good.

[Futurenurse2020]

That is great to hear steel, I'll try that!

[Futurenurse2020]

How about I mix this up a bit to get a different question answered, which of the two provides for a better quality of life in general? Holidays, set schedule, family/life balance ect..