FNP vs Acute care NP vs CRNA

Nursing Students NP Students

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Hello everybody!

I am sure somewhere, somebody asked the same question...so I apologize...I need to make a decision and start planning for applying for a master degree....but I am having a really hard time making a decision! A little about my self: RN BSN, 8 years experience various critical care areas, high GPA, motivated, but...somewhat older 38yo...want to get away from bedside, need a break from the physical part of bedside primary care. I am really, really interested in NP career, but....CRNA comes with almost double the money....sorry I am not greedy...but have o think about, time, effort, and my kids...future...and so on.

I love critical care because it gives me the opportunity of forming a "relationship" with my patients, and their families. I get along with even the most difficult families, demanding and so on....so I believe I could do that while being an NP. I like to help my patients, through education, to take over their health care issues, to become involved and ask pertinent questions...because most of them , at least the less educated ones, become victims of lack of time a physician can offer during visits, or rounds.

In the same time, I do like the critical care part, the"adrenaline rush" to a point...but I am not an adrenaline junkie :uhoh3:. that is why I am having such a hard time deciding...My questions: what path would allow me to build a relationship with my patient but still give me the trill of critical care situation? Does acute care NP differs a lot from FNP? I do not like OB so midwife is out of question. I have not had any Psych experience...so Behav Med does not interests me, do not know how to approach trouble patients or teens.

Any input is appreciated!

Thanks!

Leanne:nurse:

Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.
This is the exact same thought process I have been going through when considering my options for grad school in the future. I wish there was an option for all of the coursework that occurs in CRNA school but more of an FNP role. But not necessarily the ACNP role either. I just have no clue how to integrate everything I want to do and still feel like I'm not missing out on anything. Blah.

There are schools that offer the dual FNP/ACNP for those who specifically want ED or ICU. The hospital where I work requires dual certification so you can see patients of all ages. There are some ACNPs that work ICU only, but they still prefer hiring the dual certs (in my hospital, not speaking about all hospitals!)

Something to consider if you're torn between the two :)

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Specializes in RN-BC, CCRN, TCRN, CEN.
This is the exact same thought process I have been going through when considering my options for grad school in the future. I wish there was an option for all of the coursework that occurs in CRNA school but more of an FNP role. But not necessarily the ACNP role either. I just have no clue how to integrate everything I want to do and still feel like I'm not missing out on anything. Blah.

Well when you figure it out, please let me know! :***:

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Specializes in Cath/EP lab, CCU, Cardiac stepdown.
There are schools that offer the dual FNP/ACNP for those who specifically want ED or ICU. The hospital where I work requires dual certification so you can see patients of all ages. There are some ACNPs that work ICU only, but they still prefer hiring the dual certs (in my hospital, not speaking about all hospitals!)

Something to consider if you're torn between the two :)

Could you name a few of those schools please. Thanks.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.
Could you name a few of those schools please. Thanks.

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University of South Alabama and Vanderbilt both offer dual FNP/ACNP. They call it an ENP (Emergency NP) in some schools. If you do a search, you'll see which schools offer it.

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Said "Californy is the place you ought to be" So they loaded up the truck and moved to Beverly. Hills, that is. Swimmin pools, movie stars. I loved that show when I was a kid.

Anyway, prob talking about Cali, I've been working out here off and on as a travel nurse and dependent upon the job, would average around 85-90k per year with monthly take home of around 6500/month. Would work 1-2 extra days per month and I didn't work at all November and December. Out here it's all about selling yourself and I had no problems going to the highest bidder. I went to Hawaii 3yrs ago for the summer at 35/hr x40hr/wk, the other travelers in the ER were getting 25/hr, you had to be able to play the game and negotiate. Now, things are tighter out here but with PA school, there's no way I could work but if I need some quick cash one 12hr shift at the trauma center up the road through my registry would get me $550 after taxes. Now to the OP's question.

I've got a buddy back home that is CRNA and loves his job, the money is great but he loves what he does more than the money. He once told me he loved it so much he'd almost do it for free, almost... Two other guys (we all 4 worked nights at the same ER) went the FNP route and both love what they do as well. One got hired on at the same ER we all worked and the other is doing primary care. You have to ask yourself where you would be happiest and go from there.

What is it that CRNA's like about their job so much? I don't know because I'm not even in ICU yet so I'm not sure what I would be exposed to but I do know certain things about myself and am wondering what would suit me best.

So what is it about CRNA work that people love the most?

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