Crna vs rn

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As a new grad I am very interested in seeking info on advanced degrees in nursing. As such, I was curious about continuing my education to become a crna. However in my research I was also curious on how many nurses resort back to bed side nursing, if any? Has anyone heard of this? Is it unusual for crnas to continue their RN licensure. I would imagine that only one licensure is to be used. But if anyone has any knowledge on this I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

All advanced practice nurses are required to maintain "basic" RN licensure in addition to whatever certification or licensure is required for their advanced practice status.

Oh thanks elkpark. That makes sense. Do you think it would be wise to work like a casual/per diem job as an RN if you have an advanced degree? Just to keep up with the skill set and such?

Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

I know of a few NPs that still work bedside nursing per diem, but I don't know of any CRNAs that do. I don't think the majority of APRNs still work as bedside nurses. Keep in mind that you are held to the level of your highest license, so if you're working as an RN, and something happens-something you should know how to deal with as a CRNA or NP, and you don't deal with it properly, you can be held liable. Doesn't matter if it's not part of your job as a bedside RN, you're assumed to have the skills and knowledge necessary to deal with the situation.

I don't know of any CRNAs who work as staff nurses anywhere. Advanced practice nurses are held to a higher standard of care than RNs(when working as RNs). The pay differential is too great for most CRNAs to work as a staff RN. Depending on where you live 12 hours as a CRNA is 24 to 36 hours as a nurse.

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