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

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Hello,

I need help....I am a NP which 5 years of acute care experience with a great hospital. I applied to an amazing CRNA program...got in and put in my notice at my job for July 8th. The reason I decided to go the CRNA route is better pay and better hours. I would like to have a family within 2-3 years.

Two weeks ago I was head hunted by this amazing hospital for a NP/RNFA job with an amazing cardiothoracic program. I interviewed and they offered me a position with a great salary... (with OT and call around 165-175k). But....I would be working a ton and it's an intense job. So, what is the best move...

CRNA program vs. NP/RNFA position with cardiothoracic team.

Thanks for all your input!!!

Thanks for the advice.....I totally agree more student loans sucks...but will be worth it.

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Thanks for the advice.....I totally agree more student loans sucks...but will be worth it.

Wow, I'm not sure who you're responding to here because I think every person said do something other than what you're proposing. So you're going to start over again and do 2.5-3 years in an intensive program that requires no free time with family and kids, can't work at all, student loan debt of around $80-$150 on top of the already incurred cost of your NP degree?

No to mention when you get out your schedule will be busy and time consuming until you get experience and seniority and can take outpatient surgery center jobs, which usually pay less money anyway.

Is the program that accepted you a masters or doctorate program, because you know they are all transitioning by 2025 to doctorate. If you do a masters you could possibly run into the same ADN/BSN issue that is going on today with bedside nurses. Then maybe find yourself being "persuaded" by admin to go back for the doctorate like everybody else. Just something to consider because NP's are not having to transition to doctorates.

If you're this passionate about CRNA why didn't you go for it originally? All ICU nurses are aware of the possibility of CRNA because you have to be an ICU nurse to apply. So if you chose NP instead and completed the entire masters program then maybe you should explore why you picked that and if it's more true to yourself.

I'm not sure how much you've researched this but you may want to consider finding an NP job you enjoy with a salary that supplies a comfortable lifestyle and a schedule that allows time for kids and a family. I have friends that are NP's that have all those things and sure they make about $70-$100K less a year than a CRNA but happiness and success isn't simply measured in a bank account.

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I already got into a CRNA program, I start this August. I want both NP and CRNA, more options. Thanks for all your input!

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I already got into a CRNA program, I start this August. I want both NP and CRNA, more options. Thanks for all your input!

Yeah I edited my response since I just saw that.

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Specializes in Anesthesia, ICU, OR, Med-Surg.

Actually CRNAS can make just as much if not more in the surgicenter or GI clinic. I just finished CRNA school and many of us will be getting second jobs in GI clinic since they are paying over 110 hr in some locations. NPs re not making anywhere what crnas are making.

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Thanks for the info! The paycheck is nice, but I'm more excited about anesthesia in general. Working my whole career in acute care and surgery as a NP has taught me a lot....but I'm excited to focus on anesthesia now.

Thanks for all the advice!

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