I keep getting pulled into the CRNA direction. What is the Better fit?

[caitiecait]

I just graduated from my BSN May of 2008. I started working in a 14 bed Medical ICU with a 4 bed Neuro unit this past August. At this point I am choosing between FNP & CRNA. When I was in school my entire goal was to become a CRNA and that is why I applied to the ICU. After working I felt that maybe I would prefer to be a FNP. I enjoy educating my pts( that is one of my favorite things to do) and treating pts sounds more like what I want to do. But now that I am getting everything ready to apply to school I feel pulled towards the direction of being a CRNA. The idea of being in the OR and having that pt trust you to put them to sleep and control their breathing and hemodynamics sounds amazing! So I guess what I am asking is as a CRNA do you get to do alot of pt education to your pts? How stressful is your job once you re done with school? What do you think would be a better fit, CRNA, or FNP? I know I need to decide and be 100% b/c once in CRNA school it takes 100% devotion. My plan would be come summer take Chemistry and Organic Chem in the fall, and then study and take my CCRN in April, and apply by May or June. I would apply to ODU and VCU. So any thoughts and advice would be appreciated!

[gasmaster]

I just graduated from my BSN May of 2008. I started working in a 14 bed Medical ICU with a 4 bed Neuro unit this past August. At this point I am choosing between FNP & CRNA. When I was in school my entire goal was to become a CRNA and that is why I applied to the ICU. After working I felt that maybe I would prefer to be a FNP. I enjoy educating my pts( that is one of my favorite things to do) and treating pts sounds more like what I want to do. But now that I am getting everything ready to apply to school I feel pulled towards the direction of being a CRNA. The idea of being in the OR and having that pt trust you to put them to sleep and control their breathing and hemodynamics sounds amazing! So I guess what I am asking is as a CRNA do you get to do alot of pt education to your pts? How stressful is your job once you re done with school? What do you think would be a better fit, CRNA, or FNP? I know I need to decide and be 100% b/c once in CRNA school it takes 100% devotion. My plan would be come summer take Chemistry and Organic Chem in the fall, and then study and take my CCRN in April, and apply by May or June. I would apply to ODU and VCU. So any thoughts and advice would be appreciated!

Consider 2 things: as a CRNA you did the chance to educate your pt about anesthesia and as an FNP you won't be taking care of high acuity patients like in the ICU- it would be more like clinic nursing. Most NP's only see the "well" patients who aren't critical or emergent. As a CRNA you will work with all patient populations & acuity levels. My advice is shadow a CRNA at your facility. I did this for several months before I made up my mind to apply. It made all the difference in the world to me. I only had a vague idea of what CRNA's do in the OR until I shadowed. I never realized the complexity of cases & the level of expertise required to manage this population. Good luck!