NP to CRNA

Specialties CRNA

Published

I am a NP working in peds ortho for the last year, and have started considering making a change. Does anyone know an NP that went back to school for CRNA? Is is possible? I don't have alot of ICU experience in my nursing background (a little back when I worked in the nursing pool years ago). I love my job but am working 60hrs a week for crappy pay, and I have recently heard from more than a few that the CRNA lifestyle is much nicer than NP. Aside from the question of if I could even be admitted there is the problem of how to quit working for 2 yrs while in school (fortunately I have no kids) without driving my husband out of his mind. Any advice from CRNA's out there?

Specializes in Emergency Room.

anything is possible. you will have to get at least a year of good cardiac ICU experience to qualify for the CRNA program. what is so crappy about the pay for your position now??? do you make less than a staff nurse?

Specializes in ICU, currently in Anesthesia School.

we have a adult np in our class now, she had to go back and "update" her practice some to be considered for the program. I think it depends on the program. Contact the program directors for the schools you are interested in to see what you would need to do.

Hello NP4KIDS! I am a Family NP that was very unhappy working in the primary care setting. I decided to pursue a career in nurse anesthesia and I am currently an SRNA at Barry University (in Miami)....so it is possible! In fact, there are several NP's in my class, so it is not uncommon.

Before starting the CRNA program, I worked in a cardiac ICU for a year. The experience I gained in the critical care setting was invaluable! There is no other way to become comfortable with managing invasive lines and vasoactive infusions or learn about hemodynamics - which is critical for an anesthesia provider. To be without income for a couple of years is tough, but it will be worth it in the end!

Well, I guess when I break it down with all the hours I work that's what makes it bad. At this point I am making less than a staff nurse, and I work side-by-side with PA's doing the same job but making about $8-10,000/yr less for the SAME work. I like the specialty but just wonder if 2 more years of school would be a smart move.

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