help, which job do I pick??? CRNA vs. NP/RNFA

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 12, 2016

Your thread's been moved to our Advanced Practice Nursing forum to elicit more responses from our other APRNs who can provide informed advice. Good luck!

Bluebolt · Apr 12, 2016

If you've already got your masters as an CRNP I wouldn't got back to school for a second masters/doctorate as a CRNA. That's a ton of time and effort for CRNA that will require huge amounts of money considering you won't be able to work during the program. When you get done your income as a CRNA will be about what that job offer is, maybe a little more. Not to mention that many nurses dream of getting into CRNA school and spend years trying and never succeed. That's a lot of time, energy and effort at something that doesn't pan out.

You've already got a good advanced practice degree and a job offer that is much better paying and more exciting than most NP's get, I'd take it.

offlabel · Apr 12, 2016

Well, what specifically would you be doing on this CT service? The PA's and NP's on our CT service first assist on cases, see/discharge patients etc. Seems like a nice gig, but I don't think they earn 170 k. They don't work " a lot" either. It's pretty limited compared to what the CRNA's do on the same service, IMO, and they're the first to admit that.

My bias, of course, is toward anesthesia only because of the level of involvement that is possible in a CT case or any case really. But, depending on the job, the involvement ends mostly when the patient leaves recovery or when they're dropped off in the ICU. If you're drawn more to ongoing management, don't choose anesthesia.

DCdea · Apr 12, 2016

I would just be in CT surgery. No admitting/H&P's.....Yeah I'm just afraid I'll be treated like a RNFA and work up to 80 hours a week in OT and call.

CRNA seems more up my alley but more loans. Thanks for the input.

DCdea · Apr 12, 2016

Thanks for the input...to clairfy i would be making a good salary as a NP/RNFA but working long hours 40 hours put OT and call...

twozer0, NP · Apr 12, 2016

There are zero crna's that I know that have better schedules than NP's. Sure you can work in a surgery center or do gi work but the pay is markedly less than hospital work. My advice is to stick it out with the Np gig.

offlabel · Apr 12, 2016

There are zero crna's that I know that have better schedules than NP's. Sure you can work in a surgery center or do gi work but the pay is markedly less than hospital work. My advice is to stick it out with the Np gig.

I know a ton... I'm one of 'em. It takes some time and experience and the contacts will come. Nice gigs are there if you're motivated to go get them.

sadiemae1123 · Apr 12, 2016

Is there a third option? Are there NP jobs in your area that require fewer hours or have a better schedule in general?

If you're planning to start a family soon, then salary may not be the most important aspect of a job offer to consider.

Flexible hours, less/no overtime or call, great health insurance, sick/vacation time, maternity leave, etc all should be considered if starting a family is going to be your priority.

You may not be bringing in as big of a paycheck if you look for a job that's more family friendly, but in the long run you might come out ahead. There would be less stress or grief if you need to call in for a sick kid, less child care expense if you're home more, less money out at the doctor's office, and more time with your family.

Just something to consider.

Cook26 · Apr 13, 2016

I would consider going back as a CRNA to add the NP because I can do a post-masters certificate with relative ease.

There isn't that same "shortcut" for CRNA school, and I don't think if I was a NP I would go through the 2.5-3 years necessary for anesthesia.

And there are many CRNAs who make very good money with excellent hours. I used to work at a hospital where nearly the entire CRNA staff worked M-F days. There was a large resident program and they picked up nights, weekends, and call.

PG2018 · Apr 13, 2016

Too much opportunity cost + too much debt = bad idea.

I think the ideal job you mention wouldn't be a good gig either.

DCdea · Apr 13, 2016

Thanks for the advice....I turned down the job. It was 40 hours a week plus required OT whenever they need me to finish a case...plus call every 4th night....averaging 2-3 hearts a day. Impossible to know if I can pick up my kid from day care. I'm going the CRNA route. Will be worth it in the long run.