NP or CRNA

rn29306 · Dec 3, 2004

What I honestly do not understand is how the argument of having limited patient contact as a CRNA holds true to some people. As a SRNA and previous ICU RN, I feel I am in more contact with my patients than I was ever before. In a fast turnover hospital, although a NP may "see" more patients and hear more complaints, I have seen that the CRNA has longer and more quality time with patients.

I am not trying to start a flame war and would really like to hear other's opinions on this matter.

rn29306

lalaxton · Dec 7, 2004

I too had the same conversation with myself when I decided to become an advanced practice nurse. I was attracted to the CRNA role primarily for the science and skill of it, I had worked in PACU for several years and was quite familiar with the role. However I liked the idea of primary care, treating whole families/communities. I also feel that being an NP gave me more flexibility to travel not only within the US but elsewhere including Canada where I am from. NP's do make less money and the market seems to be saturated in some areas of the US, but I have never regretted my choice. Am very happy to be an NP.

I do think that CRNA is also a great role, so I suppose you have to look closely at what you want before deciding.

JasonL · Dec 21, 2004

I'm presently studying to be an ACNP specializing in cardiac critical care. I initially went into nursing thinking that I'd become a CRNA. After following a CRNA in the OR for a number of shifts, I decided that it wasn't for me.

After having seen what the ACNPs I worked with could do I chose to pursue that. They manage the postoperative cardiac surgery pts in the ICU here and do a great job. This includes the insertion of central venous lines, arterial lines, chest tubes, and intra-aortic balloons. Additionally, they first assist in the OR. CRNAs do make more money, but ACNPs in cardiac surgery do pretty well for themselves in this area (~$100k/yr).

Now, my wife is also an ICU RN...but she wants to be a CRNA.

Toby's mum · Dec 23, 2004

I'm presently studying to be an ACNP specializing in cardiac critical care. I initially went into nursing thinking that I'd become a CRNA. After following a CRNA in the OR for a number of shifts, I decided that it wasn't for me.
After having seen what the ACNPs I worked with could do I chose to pursue that. They manage the postoperative cardiac surgery pts in the ICU here and do a great job. This includes the insertion of central venous lines, arterial lines, chest tubes, and intra-aortic balloons. Additionally, they first assist in the OR. CRNAs do make more money, but ACNPs in cardiac surgery do pretty well for themselves in this area (~$100k/yr).
Now, my wife is also an ICU RN...but she wants to be a CRNA.

Jason, your post is very timely. I'm also trying to decide whether to pursue an NP in cardiology or CRNA. I've recently started working on a 32-bed progressive care/telemetry unit. There are 2 NP's on the floor and I'm very intrigued by the role they play. It seems they have a great deal of autonomy. I haven't found much info available on what's involved in becoming a NP in cardiology or what the prospects might be for jobs in this field or on the actual responsibilities this role entails (other than what I've observed and what you describe above). If you would be willing to share more about your experience and knowledge about the NP cardiology role, it would be greatly appreciated.

For example, how long did you work as a cardiac critical care nurse prior to pursuing the NP in cardiology? What will a typical day involve as an ACNP in cardiology critical care? Will you work for the hospital or for a doctor's group? Many thanks in advance for any and all comments you share. Regards, Stephanie

JasonL · Dec 24, 2004

Jason, your post is very timely. I'm also trying to decide whether to pursue an NP in cardiology or CRNA. I've recently started working on a 32-bed progressive care/telemetry unit. There are 2 NP's on the floor and I'm very intrigued by the role they play. It seems they have a great deal of autonomy. I haven't found much info available on what's involved in becoming a NP in cardiology or what the prospects might be for jobs in this field or on the actual responsibilities this role entails (other than what I've observed and what you describe above). If you would be willing to share more about your experience and knowledge about the NP cardiology role, it would be greatly appreciated.
For example, how long did you work as a cardiac critical care nurse prior to pursuing the NP in cardiology? What will a typical day involve as an ACNP in cardiology critical care? Will you work for the hospital or for a doctor's group? Many thanks in advance for any and all comments you share. Regards, Stephanie

With regard to experience before pursuiing my NP, this will be my 7th year in the CICU. I have been a CCRN for two years as well. I'd definitely recommend critical care experience before pursuing your NP, but that's just me. The school I go to (UMass/Worcester Graduate School of Nursing) requires that you have ICU experience to do ICU rotations for school, which makes sense. So, it would keep you from being limited in your options (should you be interested in critical care). You can learn a lot in the ICU as well.

I live in MA, where NPs are used quite a bit. They also are in CT. It really depends on where you live, though.

The NPs I work with are employed by the hospital, not a doctor's group.

Good luck!

Jason

climberrn · Jan 25, 2005

What I honestly do not understand is how the argument of having limited patient contact as a CRNA holds true to some people. As a SRNA and previous ICU RN, I feel I am in more contact with my patients than I was ever before... have seen that the CRNA has longer and more quality time with patients.

Will you talk more about this? I've been having this internal discussion, trying to decide what I want to do. I'm debating between Critical care PNP or a CRNA. The argument against being a CRNA is that I perceive them as having less contact with their patients. As I think that I deal very well with patients and their families that takes away one of my strengths as a nurse. I'd love to hear how that's wrong because I'm very very interested the CRNA profession. Thanks!

climberrn · Jan 25, 2005

What I honestly do not understand is how the argument of having limited patient contact as a CRNA holds true to some people. As a SRNA and previous ICU RN, I feel I am in more contact with my patients than I was ever before... have seen that the CRNA has longer and more quality time with patients.

Will you talk more about this? I've been having this internal discussion, trying to decide what I want to do. I'm debating between Critical care PNP or a CRNA. The argument against being a CRNA is that I perceive them as having less contact with their patients. As I think that I deal very well with patients and their families that takes away one of my strengths as a nurse. I'd love to hear how that's wrong because I'm very very interested the CRNA profession. Thanks!

*PICURN* · Jan 25, 2005

What I honestly do not understand is how the argument of having limited patient contact as a CRNA holds true to some people. As a SRNA and previous ICU RN, I feel I am in more contact with my patients than I was ever before. In a fast turnover hospital, although a NP may "see" more patients and hear more complaints, I have seen that the CRNA has longer and more quality time with patients.
I am not trying to start a flame war and would really like to hear other's opinions on this matter.
rn29306

I have always had this "limited patient contact" idea attached to the CRNA b/c isn't the patient asleep for 90% of the time you are dealing with them? I have done my RN rotation in the OR and thats just what I have seen. The surgeon/MD usually is the one to talk with them pre-anesthesia, and the CRNA or anesthesiologist is there to put them to sleep, and wake them back up. I think this is the common thought of basically what a CRNA would do. I would love to hear how you have seen CRNA's having longer, more quality time with patients

*PICURN* · Jan 25, 2005

What I honestly do not understand is how the argument of having limited patient contact as a CRNA holds true to some people. As a SRNA and previous ICU RN, I feel I am in more contact with my patients than I was ever before. In a fast turnover hospital, although a NP may "see" more patients and hear more complaints, I have seen that the CRNA has longer and more quality time with patients.
I am not trying to start a flame war and would really like to hear other's opinions on this matter.
rn29306

I have always had this "limited patient contact" idea attached to the CRNA b/c isn't the patient asleep for 90% of the time you are dealing with them? I have done my RN rotation in the OR and thats just what I have seen. The surgeon/MD usually is the one to talk with them pre-anesthesia, and the CRNA or anesthesiologist is there to put them to sleep, and wake them back up. I think this is the common thought of basically what a CRNA would do. I would love to hear how you have seen CRNA's having longer, more quality time with patients

TMPaul · Jan 25, 2005

What I honestly do not understand is how the argument of having limited patient contact as a CRNA holds true to some people. As a SRNA and previous ICU RN, I feel I am in more contact with my patients than I was ever before. In a fast turnover hospital, although a NP may "see" more patients and hear more complaints, I have seen that the CRNA has longer and more quality time with patients.
I am not trying to start a flame war and would really like to hear other's opinions on this matter.
rn29306

I don't understand it either. I'm a Nurse Practitioner and have the utmost respect for my colleagues, the CRNA's. You do a great job :balloons: and above all you are a nurse. :)

TMPaul · Jan 25, 2005

What I honestly do not understand is how the argument of having limited patient contact as a CRNA holds true to some people. As a SRNA and previous ICU RN, I feel I am in more contact with my patients than I was ever before. In a fast turnover hospital, although a NP may "see" more patients and hear more complaints, I have seen that the CRNA has longer and more quality time with patients.
I am not trying to start a flame war and would really like to hear other's opinions on this matter.
rn29306

I don't understand it either. I'm a Nurse Practitioner and have the utmost respect for my colleagues, the CRNA's. You do a great job :balloons: and above all you are a nurse. :)