FNP to CRNA, advice, thoughts, insight

[MexicanFNP]

Hello everyone-

I am finishing up my FNP program and have been pondering about applying for a postmasters program in CRNA. I currently work in critical care and have done that for the last five years.

Many might ask why I went to FNP if I wanted to do CRNA? I enrolled in the FNP program because I was not fully aware of the CRNA role; yes I had heard about them, seen them here and there but never actually paid attention to their role until I met the new director of anesthesiology whom came to the ICU quite a bit to do procedures on patients and he was the one that opened my eyes to this field.

I don't regreat at all obtaining my NP as I feel I learned quite a bit and will prepare me for CRNA school on some aspects.

Second, I feel obtaining my MSN/FNP has given me strong academic credibility as many years back I was not mature enough and didn't do as well as I would have liked, but finishing my MSN in the way I am has showned that I can work FT, Do clinical rotations and do well academically.

My questions are: Has any of you done this or know anyone whom did this?

I have 5 years critical care experience in Medical, Surgical, Neuro, Trauma and CV units and am have my CCRN, TNCC, TCAR, as well as the obvious ACLS, PALS certs. I am not sure in what specialty I will start working as an NP, but is it recommended staying working as an RN in critical care despite having experience? I am looking to apply to CRNA programs in the next year or two.

What advise, tips, insight do you all have?

Thanks,

[DreameRN, BSN]

I guess the question is, do you want to be a CRNA or do you want to be FNP?

If CRNA, it makes no sense to get FNP first. Getting FNP will likely take you out of the ICU, and a CRNA applicant needs current ICU (and no I haven't heard of a part time NP gig like that, especially for a new grad FNP, they will want full time most likely as you will need to learn the role).

If you do your CRNA first, then you can practice and make a salary and then do one of the easier online or in person FNP programs at your own pace if you still desire that role. CRNA school is wildly inflexible and will require all your time and attention. There is no real shortcut to being CRNA as bluebolt above has said. You may not have to take a couple classes during the CRNA program, but if you do CRNA, you will be giving up 2-3 years of your life unable to work. There are no short post masters CRNA programs.

I do not want to rain on your parade, but I hate to see you get a couple years down the road 25k in debt for FNP, and still want to do CRNA and then go back to the ICU for experience, and then take out 100K in loans for CRNA school. Either profession is great, but it would be much easier with the experience you already have to go RN to CRNA to FNP, than RN to FNP to ICU to CRNA. Not impossible, just much much harder. Good luck!

[PEK93RT]

The military route is a great path for CRNA. Competitive to get in as usual, but once your in, you get paid full salary and benefits for the 3 years you are in the program. Once you're done, you get paid your full salary/benefits + 21,000/year(will increase in October) for 5 years before you are able to get the full bonus of 56,000/year (this is going to increase in October). You end up coming out ahead with the military route due to a lack of debt. Furthermore, the education is great, you're pushed to be independent from day 1, there is no one to fall back on.