Need your advice on MS dgree?

[AllAngelsRN]

Hello all,

I am in the process of rethinking what I set my mind on doing since day one of nursing school and that is to become a "Nurse Anesthetist". I know it pays well and it is something I will enjoy tremendously. However these days I am rethinking my decision. I know CRNA schools are very picky. I met with one of them and the head of the school told me that she will not even consider my application since I work in a community hospital. So I am getting discouraged. The prereqs are tough (2-5 yrs in ICU, CCRN, AACN orientation, GRE blah blah blah). To do all of this hard work and then not enter the school until 5 yrs or more from now when I can just go and get my NP in adults/family and do just fine with that is making me rethink my plans. My concern is that there will be no jobs for NPs and/or that there is not enough income with it. With CRNA as you know I can make above 120K fresh outta of school. Not sure how much will I make as an NP? Any advice form experienced ones will be appreciate it.

I am getting older in age and been always fighting and taking the hard routes through all my life. I am thinking maybe just maybe it is time for me to take the easy way out and settle for less than what I wanted for myself.

I am in NJ. If anyone know about how much income NPs make in the Tristate area and willing to share this info, I would really appreciate it.

If I sound like I am fixated on income, you are right. I have dependents, debts and no other source of income other than what will I be bringing home. The older I get the tougher life is getting so I want to make it easy on me at least when it comes to cash.

Advice, comments and constructive criticism are welcome as long as they are done in a professional way!

Thank you in advance for all your input and have a very Happy Holidays!

[Meredith09]

First, don't ever settle. Second, I completely understand the pressure of being under a ton of debt, and hence the urge to go out and make the big bucks, but I have to say that I don't think either the NP or CRNA routes are easy. If you're going to do one, do the one that will balance your interests and your income needs. If the CRNA thing is what you really want to do, just put your nose to the grindstone and start working on the prereqs; my point is, don't count yourself out. I'm sure it can be done. Side note: as for the GRE, it's really not that bad. Stupid, but not too hard. Get working on learning lots of obscure vocab words, and refreshing yourself on high-school level math, and you'll be fine. I crammed for that sucker in less than two weeks, with the bulk of my studying the night before the exam, and I did just fine. I wish you the best of luck!

[litchi]

The requirements for CRNA schools are usually similar, but not all the same. Some schools require at least two years in acute care, but some only require one. I'm sure more is always beneficial, but just because one school told you they wouldn't consider you doesn't mean that others won't. As long as you can demonstrate critical thinking skills, you have a chance. My point is, don't start getting discouraged after talking to only one school.

If being a CRNA is what you truly want, then go for it. All the extra time and effort you put in to it will only enable you to become the best nurse you can be.

[sunnycalifRN]

If I sound like I am fixated on income, you are right. I have dependents, debts and no other source of income other than what will I be bringing home. The older I get the tougher life is getting so I want to make it easy on me at least when it comes to cash.

Advice, comments and constructive criticism are welcome as long as they are done in a professional way!

Thank you in advance for all your input and have a very Happy Holidays!

Nothing wrong with wanting to earn a good income. However, have you considered other options? CRNA and NP are not the only high paying nursing jobs. In my hospital, the case managers make the same, or more. Nurse executives (will require MBA) make executive salaries (250K+)

[AllAngelsRN]

Thank you all for all of your replies. They were all helpful. After more thinking, I came to the realization that I won't be happier with anything else other than my original plans. Therefore, I am sticking to getting my CRNA. It's been a long term dream that is hard to let go of. Your kind words and encouragements meant a lot to me. Thank you for your time and your input.