If you became CRNA for the money did you end up......

[paramedic-RN]

End up loving it?

I'm strongly considering CRNA school for many reasons but primarily the salary. My opinion toward anesthesia right now is that it's not a passion or anything, I don't love it, I don't hate it, I'm very content/neutral toward it. This is holding back my decision to move forward because the schooling is so intense. Is there anyone that initially felt the same way as me but ended up falling in love with it? Anyone feel the same as me and regret pursuing CRNA?

[06crna]

Neither. I would have left nursing altogether.

[paramedic-RN]

If these are your motivations for going to anesthesia school, how in the world are you going to afford anesthesia school in the first place?

Same way everyone else does, save up money and loans. I guess I"m confused about your point with motivation vs. getting through school.

[paramedic-RN]

I became a CRNA for two reasons: 1. A bedside nursing role did not offer sufficient autonomy or intellectual challenge despite several unit changes (perioperative (non-OR), adult/pediatric ICU, ER) and 2. money.

12 years later, having experienced multiple anesthesia practice types from solo independent to heavily-managed supervision employed by Anesthesia Management Companies, I can say with certainty that you SHOULD NOT pursue this career unless you enjoy nursing, modern health care, the OR environment, and anesthesia. It took 3 years out of my life to get through school, 5 years to pay my loans, and 7 more to save enough to change careers entirely at 45. I will retire from anesthesia within a year.

I still remember meeting my Program Director a few months into school and explaining my doubts, but I persevered for the payoff. I absolutely regret my decision and would never take this path again.

Geez sorry you had to go through that, thanks for sharing your story though, helps solidify my thoughts. Just curious what's next for you?

[jj224]

If you're looking into making more money without the 3 year period of no income during school, look into becoming a medical device sales rep. If you get high enough, you can make great money doing that. I think the only prerequisites for doing that job is that you have to be able to kiss a** and be good looking (I'm out!).

[06crna]

Paramedic RN - I honestly don't know. I plan to take a few months off after I retire to consider my options, whether that is in/out of healthcare, back to medical sales, change fields entirely, or stay retired.

[06crna]

JJ - I was in medical sales. I am neither beautiful nor an ass-kisser. Most reps, especially the ones in job tracks to make big money, have a Bachelor in a non-nursing specialty, often an MBA, rigorous training, and huge quotas. It is a scramble and a hustle and constant, unrelenting pressure in the Corporate world.

I know a few nurses who have successfully made the crossover into lucrative sales gigs, but I know several who are clinical specialists or in support roles. Still a great job, just not the income potential of a direct sales rep.