Do I fit career as CRNA

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I am thinking of making a career change and was wondering if I fit the profession or not. I am 35 yo right now am accepted into a second degree nursing program, I have a degree in biology/premed, have graduate level science classes, I was originally either going to go to med school or chiropractic and chose chiro school, I attended 9 years ago, went half way through decided not for me, grades 3.3-3.4 and I have been working in pharmaceutical sales for 5 years now. I wanted to go back into healthcare and and many friends who work in the field recommend CRNA, for obvious reasons. I do enjoy science, and am detail oriented, and analytical, I also like to help people, but not to the extent of wiping hind ends all day. Also, could you also enlighten me on the future of the profession, esp. w/ healthcare constantly trying to cut costs? The compensation seems nice, however, when you see a CRNA making 120K, is this a figure before or after , also what does malpractice run for CRNA's these days? Any other relavant info would be appreciated.

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First, you need some ICU experience. Once you get into that I think you will know for yourself if you do want to persue the crna path. Your advanced science classes will really look good when you interview with a program. good luck.

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Specializes in Infection Preventionist/ Occ Health.

You will certainly have to wipe hind ends as you call them during clinicals and while working as a nurse in ICU. If you think that you are above this, nursing might not be the right choice for you.

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Specializes in Anesthesia, CCRN, SRNA.

I think you'll fit in as a CRNA. I am a former pharmaceutical rep too...I spent 11 years in the industry. I'm currently in nursing school working on my BSN. You do have to wipe backsides but it isn't something that should deter you from becominga CRNA. I've shadowed a few CRNAs and have never watched them wipe a backside during procedures. Sometimes they'll stick in a foley catheter but other times they will let the surgical nurse do it.

In all honesty....once you wipe one or two dirty bottoms it gets easier.

Go for it!

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I'm a DC getting nursing degrees on the side while I run my practice. I will finish out as an NP or CRNA and have looked extensively at both. I think that you will find your knowledge from previous schooling goes a long way in making your nursing education easier. The hardest thing for me has been the pharmacology but you might have that all tied up. You will fit anywhere you really want to, just remember there are hoops to jump through for everything worth having and nursing degrees are no different. Some of the lessons (like butt wiping) are unpleasant but are a small part of what makes the final product.

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You will certainly have to wipe hind ends as you call them during clinicals and while working as a nurse in ICU. If you think that you are above this, nursing might not be the right choice for you.
Can you explain this a little more?
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Specializes in CVICU, CCRN, now SRNA.

My impression from your career path with several changes in direction, is that you don't really know what you want to do. It appears your most recent career has been your longest, at 5 years. You are the only person who can make this decision, of whether CRNA is a "fit" for you. If you're looking at another 30 or so years of employment, I would approach this decision carefully due to the demands it will place on you, especially without a clear career path thus far.

What do you mean when you say other people recommend anesthesia, "for obvious reasons?" Like many, you go right into talking about the money, so I fear this might be what you're referring to. If so, this is a poor reason (though a valid factor) to base a career choice on.

Many start on this career path, and many don't make it to the end. If you're considering nursing school just for CRNA, it will end up adding to your varied career path if you don't continue to the end. I would shadow a CRNA and an ICU nurse for at least 20 hours each before taking the plunge.

:twocents:

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I have to echo summitk2's sentiments and not just because he is a fellow Seattlite (go Hawks!) but for more rational reasons.

It is fine to chase the money. everybody likes money. But what always gets lost in the shuffle is doing what you love. People change careers because they don't like what they do and want something else, you will see this occur no matter what the paycheck (doctors, lawyers, business men). Unless you are totally enthralled with continually learning about the human body and it's processes health care will bore you and become tedious meaningless work. Especially if the paycheck is good because you will have even more time and money for other diversions. Beyond that you will not put in the effort that someone who is pationate about the process does and you will be forever mediocre at best.

On the flip side. If you find yourself browsing medical and nursing journals in your spare time and cruising the internet for the latest in research of new ideas in health care--- by all means step up. take on the challenge and be the best that you can be-- chase the money and you will far surpass another that is more gifted in ability than you simple because of your never ending passion for the field.

just my 2 cents

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