CRNAs in Critical Care Medicine

I'm looking into CRNA programs as I get more critical care experience. I've noticed most intensivists are Pulmonologists that do fellowships in Critical Care medicine but I've seen a handful of MDAs who also cover critical care, which makes perfect sense- they're proficient in airways, central lines and invasive monitoring. Just wondering if it's a possibility for a CRNA to potentially branch out into this field. One of my hesitations with the field is spending my whole life in an OR (I posted a thread about ED nurse to CRNA highlighting my drawbacks to the career). I understand there are other options such as pain management and endoscopy centers, but I enjoy critical care.

I did not, but it took some leg work on my part. I called/ emailed every school I considered and asked what they regarded as clinical experience.  At the time I applied I was solely looking for post-masters programs, but I think they have all been abandoned for dnp programs. Honestly, UTC and maybe one other said my NP experience was enough, but at the time I was primarily critical care only. I'm sure they will ask how long it has been since you have worked in the ICU; if it's been over 2 years they may want you to go back. I had no desire and honestly if I had had to go back I don't think I would have. Is it possible for you to pick up some critical care shifts, even as a locum? It may help support your case to not returning to bedside. 

Specializes in AGACNP.

Thanks for the quick response. I have a meeting set up with one of the programs coordinators so I can get some more guidance. And I had been emailing with another, but they have yet to respond further. But going back sounds awful! ? I did previously in between NP jobs, and it was rough! I find it strange they wouldn't take this experience into account since I'm the one ordering these drips and working these patients up, but I have to go by their rules I reckon. 

I was told that they want the med experience and direct administration of medications. I literally argued with one coordinator because he implied that despite us technically having the same Masters degree, his was somehow "better". 
I agree it would be brutal, and as I said I would have decided to abandon that goal if I had had to go back. Check out UTC, one of my classmates was an FNP who had previous ICU experience but worked actively in a clinic. They did not require her to go back. I was also told (couldn't verify it) that some programs leave slots for NP's UTC being one of them. 

UTC (University of Tennessee in Chattanooga) 

Specializes in RN-BC, CCRN, TCRN, CEN.

Yes, I understand that. I am just wondering if an intensivist or hospitalist group would employ a CRNA, especially since MDAs are able to do the same. While most intensivists are pulmonology/critical care medicine, I have seen some on the medical board listed as anesthesiology/critical care medicine.

I'm not sure I want to invest in this career if I have to work in the same setting (OR) for the rest of my life. I went into nursing for the variety and ability to switch specialties. Just looking at all the options for CRNAs.

In the same vein, I think CRNA's who want to work in the ICU alongside intensivists should also have ACNP training.

An anesthesia component to ACNP training would go a long way too...

Specializes in RN-BC, CCRN, TCRN, CEN.

A lot of universities offer an FNP or ACNP certificate for nurses with MSNs already. Would something like this be an option? It doesn't specify you already have to be an NP already.

Again, I absolutely love everything I've experienced during my shadows, and I really want to make this my career. I just don't want to get stuck in a rut I can't (or want to) get out of. However, I think I'm experiencing that right now in the ED. I still absolutely love the fast pace and variety, but I was just thinking about how it really is the same thing day in and day out. Chest pain, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, sepsis, altered LOC, sore throat, back pain, blah blah. Even though there's a variety of complaints, the workups are all the same. Emergency medicine is, IMO, ~80% Algorhythms, 10% consultation, and 10% or less of bedside procedures. "If this, do that"... "If chest pain, ASA, Trop Q6h x3, CK, EKG and place in obs". "If abdominal pain, CBC, CMP, Lipase, CT/US, consult GI/Uro/Gen surgery". Docs spend 5 minutes getting an H&P, walk out and order some tests. Wait for results then consult consult consult! Occasionally they're at the bedside intubating, throwing in central lines (rare except one doc we have who will look for any excuse to do one), or doing a FAST exam. Other than that, it's all computer work.

Sorry for the tangent, I guess all I'm saying is I don't want to get stuck in something I may or may not love in 5, 10, 20 years. The investment in CRNA school is too great (assuming I can even get in), which is why I'm so carefully considering every side of things.

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