Published Aug 26, 2006
coopsc1
85 Posts
I posted this in the pre-CRNA inquiry form and did not get much feedback, so I thought I would ask some CRNA's for advice.
Hello, I would like to talk to a CRNA about the career and this seems like the place...
To start out, I originally wanted to be an anesthesiologist as a high school student and my mom (who is an RN) told me that it was not a good career and that being a doctor is not all that it is cracked up to be. So I finished my undergrad degree with a BS in chemistry and completed my PharmD. I am currently working as a pharmacist and I have to say that the pay is great but I am not really happy with the amount of autonomy that we are given as healthcare professionals ( I can go into more details with this if anyone is interested).
If I decided to become a CRNA, I know that the path would take me at least 4 years but I can work as a pharmacist part time (or more..if possible). I really want to know if it is financially worth my time? I think that I will eventually end up living in a smaller town where a CRNA would be granted enough autonomy to work on their own. On my rotations in pharmacy school I enjoyed time spent in the OR and working with CRNA/MDA's the most. I really like hands-on patient care and I think nurse anesthesia would be a good career. If anyone could give me some advice that would be great....
Thanks
SC
mammothsnw
87 Posts
coops, I sent you a private message..let me know if you did not get it.
-M
hot_txlatina
17 Posts
i would also like to get information on crna im thinking about getting in that field..
crnabrian
30 Posts
What would you like to know? Yes, the pay is great, better in some parts of the country than others. Autonomy? Always, but some jobs you have more than others. I currently work in a CRNA-only practice, but even if you have docs in your practice, they generally let you do your own cases. After all, we are well-trained professionals, and if we cannot be trusted to give anesthesia correctly, might as well not even be there.
You can PM me if you wish.
Brian Stephens, CRNA