Does the MSN or the MS effect what states you can work in after graduation/will it?

gaspassah · Jan 23, 2005

in most cases those that dont have the degree are grandfathered in. i dont think you can tell 80 % of crnas they can no longer work.

d

air · Jan 23, 2005

You bring up a very valid issue.

I remember agonizing between a MSN or MS program for about three weeks when I found out I had been offered admission to both types of program. I think there are some States that would require MSN. Those States are few, of the top of my head just a couple of them. I guess what would count in the end is the CRNA certification. I know for a fact that people who not graduate level prepared were grandfathered in 1986 and 1992 in most states.

If you do a search on aana you would find plenty of answers.

meandragonbrett · Jan 23, 2005

I believe it's a clinical doctorate and not a research doctorate.

aRNnAR · Jan 24, 2005

You bring up a very valid issue.
I remember agonizing between a MSN or MS program for about three weeks when I found out I had been offered admission to both types of program. I think there are some States that would require MSN. Those States are few, of the top of my head just a couple of them. I guess what would count in the end is the CRNA certification. I know for a fact that people who not graduate level prepared were grandfathered in 1986 and 1992 in most states.
If you do a search on aana you would find plenty of answers.

I do not think that any states prefer one over the other...really just personal preference. For example, I was accepted to both an MSN progrom & MHS program...i chose the latter. With an MHS, your didactic studies usually focuses on more natural sciences & very little (if any) "nursing theory".

air · Jan 24, 2005

I do not think that any states prefer one over the other...really just personal preference. For example, I was accepted to both an MSN progrom & MHS program...i chose the latter. With an MHS, your didactic studies usually focuses on more natural sciences & very little (if any) "nursing theory".

You may be right, but try the AANA website look under Advanced education requirement for practice. Look Hawaii, PR and maybe Iowa. I am not sure about Iowa now. But definitely Hawaii and PR. I had called up those state boards just to make sure I was in the clear about what I read. If you graduated before a graduate education was mandatory then you skip through, if after then you would face a small challenge.

Hawaii No (optional) "The board shall grant recognition as an advanced practice registered nurse [includes the nurse anesthetist] provided the nurse has . . . [a] master's degree in nursing as specified in rules adopted by the board or a current certification for specialized and advanced nursing practice from a national certifying body recognized by the board . . . ." [Hawaii Rev. Stat., ch. 457, sec. 8.5(a)(3)]

Puerto Rico Yes The definition of "specialized female/male nurse," (the nursing practice category which includes nurse anesthetists) is "[A] person with a Masters degree in nursing from an institution of higher learning accredited or recognized by the Council on Higher Education of Puerto Rico." [Act No. 9 of October 11, 1987, sec. 2, subsec. (e)(1)]

Out-of-State Applicants: "The Board may issue a license without an examination to those nurses who hold a license issued by the government of any state, possession or territory of the United States of America if, in the Board's judgment, these candidates meet Puerto Rico's requirements to practice nursing or those of the states or territories of the United States of America with which the Board has established reciprocity." [Act No. 9 of October 11, 1987, sec. 14]

loisane · Jan 24, 2005

This is a muddy issue in nurse anesthesia. To my knowledge, no state has any law or rule that prohibits any CRNA from practicing anesthesia as long as they have graduated from an accredited program, some of which are non-MSN.

But you are right that many state nurse practice acts seem to introduce this possibility. This is an issue that at least some state nurse anesthetists associations have to keep a close eye on, and keep in good communication with their nursing boards and state legislatures.

I don't know specifics about the states mentioned in this thread. But not all states require CRNAs to have an advanced practice nursing designation/license to practice nurse anesthesia.

In addition to the AANA website, those interested in a particular state could consider contacting that state nurse anesthetist association. I think they would have the most complete, up to date information on the particulars for that state.

loisane crna

air · Jan 24, 2005

My understanding is practicing CRNA's without Advanced Degrees would not be limited. Those graduating now will need those advanced degrees. I am not sure but I think it runs as far back as the early 90's when ANNA starting encouraging programs to put out graduates with advanced degrees. There was no concise definition as to the type of advanced degree. Which college/department should issue those degress? So, to we have graduates with, MS, MSN, MHS, MSNA, etc. But it works.