Need some advice!!!!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 11, 2007

everytime i tell somebody im doing nursing they reply why dont you just become a doctor instead nurses do all the dirty work

Doctors have 24/7 responsibility and liability for every single patient under their care. In my opinion, I'd rather do the "dirty work" and go home every night, then have 24 hour responsibilities for patients. The amount of money is not worth it to me. I do not envy the physician's level of responsibility in any way, shape, or form.

You will need several years of bedside ICU experience before being able to apply to a CRNA (nurse anesthesia) program. ICU nurses frequently do full-care on their patients, and must do supposedly "dirty work" such as baths, changing diapers, changing linens, dressing wounds, and so on, because they usually do not have CNAs to assist with the basic nursing care. If "dirty work" seems unappealing to you, be aware that you'll need to immerse yourself in these tasks before you can even dream of going to CRNA school.

Don't place so much weight on other peoples' comments, because it's ultimately your life. Also, "dirty work" seems trivial and unimportant until that day arrives when you are the patient who needs help to desperately use the bathroom!

Altra, BSN, RN · Dec 11, 2007

...my whole intension from the beginning was to be a CRNA ( id like to get some feed back on what that job is like ) and i would also like to figure out the fastest way to become a CRNA also ...Heres whats up ....When i get done with nursing school i`ll have my AS degree but i still would neeed a couple of pre-requist to transfer to university for my BSN ...and i would have to continue doing these classes at the community college after i have gotten my AS ( which i dont want to do ) so i was wondering if there are any good online programs which would offer me the same level of education without having to ge all those pre-requsits so i can get my BSN faster then on to my MSN in anesthetics.. ( so torn now)

I'm curious what has motivated you to intend to become a CRNA when you don't know what the job is like.

After you complete your ASN and get your first nursing position, you can explore the multitude of options available to complete your BSN -- both colleges/universities in your area and those schools which offer online programs.

As Commuter mentioned, you'll need multiple years experience as an ICU nurse before applying to anesthesia school. Positions in ICUs may or may not be available to new grads in your area -- you'll need to explore this with hospitals at which you are interested in working.

The long-term goal of being a CRNA is fine, provided it is based on a good understanding of this job and whether or not it is a good fit for you.

Good luck to you.

fultzymom · Dec 11, 2007

Prerequs are usually the same classes for a BSN. They might vary slightly but for the most part are the same. online programs are often faster than traditional school. As for what to say when people ask about going on for the doctors degree, I agree with the commuter. I do not want that kind of responsibility. I don't want to be in charge 24/7. I like going to work, taking care of patients to the best of my ability, then going home and not being responsible any longer. They usually live chaotic lives. I want some normalcy to my life.

KatieM123 · Dec 11, 2007

I really thought I wanted to be a doctor, so I got a job as a patient care associate at on a busy Med/Surg floor at a teaching hospital. I saw all the new residents start that summer. I worked with some fantastic nurses who when they had the time never hesitated to help me with my dirty work. Of course there were priorities and they couldn't help with a bed pan if they had meds to give, but when they had a minute or if I was really in a pinch they dirtied themselves right along with me. I also watched the residents devote their life to the hospital. Joking about the 80 hour week rule. I also noticed the striking difference in nusring vs doctor. I don't mean to say docs don't care about people, the docs were very nice (for the most part) but there's a difference. They were scientists that took care of people. I do not mean nurses aren't into science and learning but to devote your life to medicine the way a good doc does it's a lot more than "wanting to help people" -- these docs are obsessed with the medicine they live, the surgeries and techniques and science and then they use that obsession to help people. At least that's what I observed. The nurses took care of people's needs moment by moment and at some moments it clearly sucked but overall they had the human interactions, they cared for people not diseases/ailments. The docs focused on the ailments the people were suffering from. It was an interesting experience and I learned a lot about myself (I'd never be willing to devote my entire life to a job of any sort) and the medical world. And now I want to be a nurse!

mused11 · Dec 12, 2007

I'm curious what has motivated you to intend to become a CRNA when you don't know what the job is like.
well i have researched the job many times and the job description seemed interesting plus they seem to have more autonomy thats why i wanted to get some insight from ppl who actually know what the ropes are instead of just relying on a job description on a website ...well thats the good thing i see about nursing ..its a good stepping stone to move on to different things ..

mused11 · Dec 12, 2007

yeah i kinda figured that out about those docs ..i agree about them being obsessed....I guess i just have to wait until i actually see first hand what both job titles entail then i can make more decisions but for now i guess i`ll continue with this..and give it ma all