BASIC questions...

orrnlori, RN · Apr 13, 2004

Phil: There are no simple answers to any of these questions. Especially if you're also looking at military options. As orrnlori mentioned, no two programs are alike at any level of nursing education, and there is no set formula, per se. Especially if you're looking at becoming a CRNA.
I too have been looking at CRNA long term, but it's complicated. You can meet all of the academic requirements, score well on your GRE, take the additional courses many of the programs require (and, of course, even those requirements vary), and still not get in if you blow the interview (assuming you're even asked to the interview.) And, apparently, a lot of people don't make it through the interview. Not to mention, most programs prefer more than one year minimum of ICU (or, in some cases, other critical care) experience. You may be competing with candidates who have 3-5 years experience.
So you can't just say you're going to get this done in X amount of years, IMHO.
Then there are issues of whether CRNA salaries will remain high and whether such an investment of time and money will be worth it. Right now the physicians lobby is pushing states to license Anesthetist Assistants, who have a lot less education and training. Supposedly AA's have already driven down salaries in Georgia (where one of the two AA programs in the country are located). I don't know if the salary information is accurate, or how much of a threat AA's pose for the long term since there are only two schools in the country, but it's definitely something to watch. There are bills pending in Florida and in the local District of Columbia government to allow AA's, and I believe six other states already license them. The VA is also considering allowing AA's to practice in their hospitals as well. So, things can change quickly in the medical field, especially when the AMA is pushing an agenda.
Personally, I'm going to wait until I come an RN first, and explore all options in the field and assess trends in the marketplace before I make a decision on CRNA or any other advanced education plans. Perhaps you should consider the same.

This is a great post, lots of good information. Right now they are begging for CRNA's at my hospital. But I've heard them talk about how the position goes in and out of favor. There's a lot to consider in this line of nursing. But if I was younger, it would be something I would look at. They make big bucks and are highly regarded at my hospital by the anesthesia doctors.

Sheri257 · Apr 13, 2004

This is a great post, lots of good information. Right now they are begging for CRNA's at my hospital. But I've heard them talk about how the position goes in and out of favor. There's a lot to consider in this line of nursing. But if I was younger, it would be something I would look at. They make big bucks and are highly regarded at my hospital by the anesthesia doctors.

Yes, many doctors do support CRNA's. But the bottom line is money. As CRNAs gained more credibility and independence, they also were able to practice without MDA's getting a piece of the action. Hence the big bucks. That's what this is really about. MDA's can control AA's, pay them less, and make more money off of them than CRNA's.

Demand for anethetists should increase with the aging baby boom generation, so that could help CRNA's. But demand could also drive the AA agenda since, as you mentioned, doctors could argue there aren't enough CRNA's, even now.

AA's only need two and a half years of education, on top of a college degree (which can be in English or whatever, it doesn't have to be in the medical field or science.) They don't have to worry about becoming a licensed RN or obtaining ICU experience, etc. While they do have to take a few science courses, it doesn't come close to a nursing degree with clinical training, among other CRNA requirements. So, if the states come on board, and start implementing AA programs into the university systems, there could be more AA's in the marketplace within the next 10-20 years, since it's a lot easier to become an AA than a CRNA.

A lot of CRNA's dismiss this as a threat, but they no longer have to worry about a ten year investment like we do. And, IMHO, lawmakers listen to doctors, not nurses. Doctors have more clout with the legislators, hospitals, etc., not to mention more money to throw at the issue. I hope this doesn't happen, but I also don't underestimate these efforts, by any means.

:uhoh21:

Cherish · Apr 14, 2004

As a veteran of the army. I too am wanting to become a CRNA (but that may change when I become an RN-who knows?). Anyways, its faster to go the BSN route if your wanting a masters degree. Once you get your BSN you then take the NCLEX, after passing your officially an RN. After that I suggest that you take the civilian route and work in a critical care unit. The reason why I say this is because you can sign a contract with the military to go into CRNA school, while they train you to become a CRNA. If you just get your BSN and become a nurse and join the military its not guaranteed you will work in a critical care unit. As you know you must work in one of these settings to become a CRNA. As a fellow soldier, you know the military puts you where they need you (they DO NOT work around you!). It would be a faster route to work in a hospital as a civilian because its more likely you will work in a critical care unit (your the one getting hired-not placed like the military). Then you can join the military once again as prior service and have it contracted that you will train as a CRNA (after you get accepted to a school). Ft. Sam Houston (TX), Walter Reed (DC) and a Medical Facility in Bethesda, MD (I think its Navy), are some of the places you do your clinical. If you go the Ft. Sam Houston route (the one I want to go), you get stationed in San Antonio, TX and do your clinicals there while you get a degree from University of Texas (i think houston or san antonio). Just a littly fyi because most people think that their going to have the military pay for their training but find out that if it's not in their contract it may take awhile (seeing as you may work in sick call, clinics, med. units, or other floors on the hospital where it will not apply to CRNA pre req's).

RNSuzq1, RN · Apr 15, 2004

Ahoy Phil,

I'm a former Navy Hospital Corpsman. I wasn't sure from your post if you are already a Corpsman or just thinking about it - where are you stationed?

My goal was also to be a Nurse - but with the hours I had to work, standing duty at odd hours and being transferred - I never had the opportunity to go to school while I was in. I do know that you have to have your BSN to be a Navy Nurse - even if you have your RN, you have to that 4 year degree.

Another former Corpsman recently contacted me and suggested I look into Excellsior College (it's all on-line). I'm waiting to hear from a local school I applied to for the Fall - but if I don't get in, I'm seriously thinking about Excellsior. Being a Hospital Corpsman (present or former) will get you in, because of attending Corps School and all that training/experience - they equate it to having your LPN and beyond. It sounds like an excellent Program for people in the Military because it's all on-line - especially if you're stationed on a Ship and couldn't physically get to a school. After you complete the 2 year course you are tested in a clinical setting (this is done in several places).

You're very lucky being in now and getting help from the GI Bill to pay for your education. They stopped it during the years I was in and after 6 years in the Navy I get ZIP in the way of financial help for my education (Thanks for Nothing Uncle Sam).

Anyways, hope this helps a bit. If you have any other questions, just ask. SusanNC