New to the website---questions about crna?

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--------------QUESTION ABOUT TRANSITIONING FROM A PARAMEDIC TO A CRNA--------------------

-------------- ANY SUGGESTIONS :confused: ----------------------------

hello. i am a CNA currently going to school to become a paramedic. i know i need to get my emt first which is a requirement before you can even get in the program to be a paramedic. i am also thinking about a career as a CRNA. how do i make that transition? i dont want to make a complete run a round and work as a paramedic making the same amount of income as a CNA -maybe just a couple dollars more-- to me that just makes no sense. thats one of many concerns that i have.

would it be smart to just withdraw from the emt program and go straight for CRNA. or work as a paramedic for a while- gain experience and then go for my CRNA??

any suggestions?

oh-- another reason why its such a big deal to me- is because like i said before-- i dont want to leave the hospital that i work at-- BUT--- they dont hire EMT/PARAMEDICS. the emt/paramedics are actually considered as LPNS. and only administer medication in the ER. not to mention they only make 12/hr. which is pittiful i think. bc again--thats around the same amount CNA'S make. so why go to school to be a paramedic when i can just remain a CNA making the same amount. (understand my point of view)

if i wanted to actually work as a paramedic i would have to work for the fire or police dept or elsewhere.

so---do i take the risk of quitting the hospital to work as a paramedic elsewhere-- to then go for my CRNA or what??

Rrrr!!!! IM SO CONFUSED!!! HOPEFULLY SOMEONE CAN POINT ME INTO THE RIGHT DIRECTION! PLEASE! :confused:

*Hmf

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Specializes in SICU, L&D, MCC, Tele.

You must be a registered nurse to become a CRNA, therefore, I would shadow a CRNA and if it is right for you start applying to nursing schools. In addition to being a nurse you must have at least one year of critical care experience.

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read the "how to become a crna" FAQ thread... you need to go to nursing school for RN first, then ICU experience, then crna

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sorry for the slow response guys. i just NOW figured out where to go to find everyones replies to my posts. all this time i thought no one had read my post and responded. lol thank you to those who replied to my message it was helpful. i will go ahead and look further into it and make sure that it is something that i really want. i find myself slowely drifting away a slightly diff direction-- anesthesiologist assistant is really calling my attention all of the sudden. sighs--im jus a confused case. lol :/

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Depending on where you are in your education (i.e. if you already have a BS), going for AA may be quicker if you get right into a program. AAs and CRNAs are very similar in job responsibilities and pay~ HOWEVER (!!!) Do you research!

:igtsyt:

CRNAs have many more benefits at this time over AAs- can practice in all states, can practice w/o MD, I've also heard have higher income potential in many cases, programs can be found all over US. Last I checked there were only about 5 AA programs.

Check out the following websites:

http://www.aana.com/

http://www.anesthesiaassistant.com/

http://www.asahq.org/asarc/AA-CRNA_Comparison.pdf

Good luck in whatever you decide

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Specializes in ICU,CCU, CVICU, MICU.

Becoming a paramedic would prepare you for emergencies and you can learn about some important medications. I just finished a semester of teaching paramedics to become RN's. There are programs that you can do online to become an RN from a paramedic but you have to have lots of experience and knowledge to get into them. The program I was teaching in is an online program where the students come to my area (KS) for their clinicals. All of the classes are online. The program has been such a success that it is hard to get into with out excellent grades and experience as a paramedic. We had people from Florida and California in the program last year. All have passed state boards so far! This program is an ADN program. You must have a BSN to apply for CRNA school. You can become a paramedic, find a paramedic to RN program, become an RN, work on your BSN while getting ICU experience....then apply to CRNA school. Or you could just go to school now and get a BSN then apply to CRNA school. Good luck with what ever you choose. Don't ever stop learning.

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