FNP to CRNA...is it possible?

manusko · Dec 31, 2013

I'm currently in a FNP program but I'm highly considering applying to CRNA school after I graduate. Is this a good career move? Has anyone ever done this? I just feel CRNA is a better fit for me than FNP. Any suggestions? I graduate in 2015.

Do you have critical care experience? If you want to be a CRNA then I wouldn't waste time or money on FNP.

stillwater · Jan 3, 2014

It depends on the reason why you're taking fnp first. I can only say that because I'm in the same boat as you. I started fnp program but realized it's not for me. Although I am hoping the dnp requirement that's soon to be mandated will improve the practice and pay (supply and demand). I finished one semester of FNP and dropped (due to other reasons too). In your case, what is the reason you want to take FNP first? It is not practical if you plan to take CRNA down the road but it could be a safety net as well if things don't go your way in CRNA school. And better take it now before 2015 (or 2016?) when schools switch to dnp and it will take longer and will be more expensive to become one. I know they say CRNA could be done if you're motivated enough etc. But quitting your job, selling/renting your house, moving out of state and pausing your life is nerve wracking and such a huge risk. Let's face it not everyone makes it through CRNA school and they make sacrifices and work hard too but there is no guarantee. In my case I was gearing towards applying to CRNA school but I have to pause for a bit and wanted to enjoy life a little bit making decent $, being single and traveling while I don't have a family yet. But now I'm in the same dilemma again. The one reason I took FNP was I thought back then I couldn't get in CRNA school. My bsn gpa is 2.74. Didn't study back then. FNP one semester 3.7 (grad level a&p, pharm, physical assessment), 7 yrs icu, leadership roles, ccrn-cmc-csc, pals, acls. If I continue FNP it could be for either three reasons. 1. Some CRNA schools will look at my FNP gpa instead of bsn so that solves my problem with the low bsn gpa or 2. It could be a back up if things don't go my way in CRNA school, 3. Maybe I'll find my niche in FNP and probably will not need to become CRNA anymore. Another option is to just take the gre and apply to CRNA schools but then I still may need to retake a couple of classes to improve my gpa. That may take me half a year or one year when I could just continue FNP and finish it in a year albeit the $40k difference in cost. I shared my situation because we all could have different reasons why we're doing it. Hope that helps and I would appreciate some insights too what you guys would do if you were in my shoes.

manusko · Jan 3, 2014

CRNA is mandated to be DNP entry level in 2025. FNP has no such mandate at this time.

hdp224 · May 14, 2015

Hi,

I am currently a FNP but have been working in Urgent Care settings ever since I passed the boards. I always wanted to go to CRNA school but know how competitive it is and thought it would be good idea to do my NP like someone said, as a safety net, just in case. I am starting to work part time in the ICU as an RN and am working full time as an NP. I am planning on applying for the 2016-2017 cohort to schools.

I have heard that many schools ask why did you do your NP if you wanted to be a CRNA, or whats the reason for the switch? Has anyone heard any good answers to this.

In my personal experience I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with patients as an NP but have also had the opportunity to shadow a CRNA and just feel that I could be honest and say it is very competitive and when I applied to an NP program I got in and wanted to complete something I started, which actually helped me gain the confidence to work under pressure and know that I am able to provide beneficial patient care. Has anyone been through this? If so, what did you say during the interview?

Da_Milk_of_Amnesia, MSN · May 15, 2015

IMHO the DNP for CRNAs is basically worthless. You aren't going to get any more money, you're not going to call yourself 'Nurse-Dr....' or Dr-Nurse.... I mean honestly the only thing it may hurt you in is if that you're in competition for a job with someone who is a DNP prepared and you are a masters prepared...If all things were equal they may pick the person wit the DNP. Plus from what I've gathered the DNP is more research based than anything else, soon tell me how that makes anyone better or smarter or anything ? Idk, honestly i think its a waste of money but thats just me.

grsams · May 15, 2015

It depends on the reason why you're taking fnp first. I can only say that because I'm in the same boat as you. I started fnp program but realized it's not for me. Although I am hoping the dnp requirement that's soon to be mandated will improve the practice and pay (supply and demand). I finished one semester of FNP and dropped (due to other reasons too). In your case, what is the reason you want to take FNP first? It is not practical if you plan to take CRNA down the road but it could be a safety net as well if things don't go your way in CRNA school. And better take it now before 2015 (or 2016?) when schools switch to dnp and it will take longer and will be more expensive to become one. I know they say CRNA could be done if you're motivated enough etc. But quitting your job, selling/renting your house, moving out of state and pausing your life is nerve wracking and such a huge risk. Let's face it not everyone makes it through CRNA school and they make sacrifices and work hard too but there is no guarantee. In my case I was gearing towards applying to CRNA school but I have to pause for a bit and wanted to enjoy life a little bit making decent $, being single and traveling while I don't have a family yet. But now I'm in the same dilemma again. The one reason I took FNP was I thought back then I couldn't get in CRNA school. My bsn gpa is 2.74. Didn't study back then. FNP one semester 3.7 (grad level a&p, pharm, physical assessment), 7 yrs icu, leadership roles, ccrn-cmc-csc, pals, acls. If I continue FNP it could be for either three reasons. 1. Some CRNA schools will look at my FNP gpa instead of bsn so that solves my problem with the low bsn gpa or 2. It could be a back up if things don't go my way in CRNA school, 3. Maybe I'll find my niche in FNP and probably will not need to become CRNA anymore. Another option is to just take the gre and apply to CRNA schools but then I still may need to retake a couple of classes to improve my gpa. That may take me half a year or one year when I could just continue FNP and finish it in a year albeit the $40k difference in cost. I shared my situation because we all could have different reasons why we're doing it. Hope that helps and I would appreciate some insights too what you guys would do if you were in my shoes.

Those reasons are spot on given my situation. Refreshing that I am not alone.