Future career in Nurse Anesthesia

[MaleAPRN]

:) What would you do if you were in my situation:

I am applying to NA school in 2005. I am moving back EAST (brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr) :rotfl: from sunny California to be closer to the schools that I will be applying to. IT is JUST TOO EXPENSIVE TO LIVE AND NOT WORK, AND BE A FULL-TIME STUDENT in So. Cal. Anyway...a brief history of my nursing career:

I became an RN in 1996. Worked in the ICU from 1997-1999.

I continued with my education, working and getting my BSN 2 years thereafter.

I then worked in the ER of the same level-1 trauma center on a full-time basis...working in ICU occasionally.

I decided to get my MSN degree and happened to receive my FNP as well (it was an MSN/FNP program) in 2002. I was fortunate to be hired as a PER DIEM NP in the same ER.

Having had the opportunity to work in several nursing roles is AWESOME. I am a more well-rounded nurse and provider.

I continue to work a few shifts in ICU and ER, on top of being an NP also. My goal of becoming a CRNA is STILL looming over my head. I still want to go to CRNA school.

I AM CONCERNED THAT SOME SCHOOLS MIGHT LOOK DOWN UPON MY BECOMING AN NP FIRST (It was actually an added BONUS while getting my MSN...I got FNP certification along with it)...then, got hired as NP in a level 1 trauma ER (very rare to have NP in busy ER here in Ca).

I've been reading in some threads that one criteria that some schools taken into account is the applicant's dedication to the profession...i.e, just starting in ICU...then, getting into CRNA school...not doing anything else in other fields of nursing shows the individual's commitment in becoming a CRNA...well, this is how I perceive it to be. And, for those of us, who just happen to have another role, besides being a nurse in ICU, are considered, "the undecided, undedicated" ones. Thus, it may make it harder for those of us to be considered in a program.

Do some of you find this to be true? :uhoh21:

I just wanted to get your opinion on this.

Thanks.

[lvautrot]

I think that it certainly shows dedication to the nursing profession which will not hurt you.

I believe the concern will be not so much that you have your NP certification, but that you have an MSN. That will prevent you from going to any school which grants an MSN after completion of the CRNA program. (Can not get the same degree twice).

That is the only thing I would think would be a concern. Just apply to schools that offer degrees other than MSN, and keep your ICU skills current. Good Luck.

[NCgirl]

As a sign of encouragement, a CRNA at the facility I'm in school at was an NP before CRNA. Our program faculty say we are honored to have her teach some of our classes, and that she has a wealth of knowledge. So, in short, around here it seems "smiled upon".

[jrvb]

There are 2 NP's in my class now.

[MaleAPRN]

As a sign of encouragement, a CRNA at the facility I'm in school at was an NP before CRNA. Our program faculty say we are honored to have her teach some of our classes, and that she has a wealth of knowledge. So, in short, around here it seems "smiled upon".

Thanks for the encouragement...I feel better :)

[MaleAPRN]

There are 2 NP's in my class now.

May I ask what program you're in?

[UCDSICURN]

If I were on the selection committee I'd look at your experience 2 ways.

1. You meet the minimum requirements.

2. You can handle master's level course work and gain the licensure for that specialty.

I'd certainly give you the nod. That's just me though. I try not to assume things about people and why those chose a certain path.

Donn C.

[nec]

This will make you look better on paper and show the school you have the ability to handle graduate school i feel it will work very well in your favor. They will be impressed with you backround good luck with your career and education nec

[cnmtocrna]

I have two parts to my response. 1- do not worry about it - I am a CNM and after 11 years am now an ICU nurse getting ready to apply to CRNA school. I am in the southeast. There are plenty of schools here that have post-master's options, and I have spoken to and visited some. My experience has not been looked down upon. They seem to be impressed that I have functioned successfully as an advanced practice nurse, and certainly know that I can handle the course work. I don't even have to take the GRE again at the schools I am applying to (4 schools). I know of other NPs and one CNM in anesthesia school. So do not worry.

2- I just have to say that it sounds as if you are playing down the whole FNP thing, as if it happend by accident or as you said it was just a "bonus." Well, I may not know much, but I do know what goes into becoming an FNP (clinical faculty for a program in atlanta for the ob/gyn component). Most people who go to grad school get a master's degree in order to get to the real important thing - FNP, CNS, CNM, CRNA, etc. I know that a NP cert. certainly means more $ in your pocket, more autonomy and that the course work makes up the majority of the hours spent in grad school. Don't play it down, you chose it, you earned it, and you are free to do whatever else you want to. I get 50 cents an hour at my ICU job for having a master's degree. I doubled my income as a cnm. Go for it, don't worry, but I think it will look strange if you play down the FNP. Don't feel you have to explain why you don't want to be a FNP for the rest of your life, focus on why you want to be an anesthetist.