NP/Crna vs MD

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Hello everyone,,,

My name is kev, and I am starting nursing school in a few weeks. Although I'm in the earlier stages of school, I want to start thinking ahead..My plan is to finish nursing school and become a CRNA/NP, yes I want to be both. Work full-time as a CRNA and locum/part time as a Family nurse practitioner. Below are the direction I plan on going to achieve my goals as well as my expected completion. I know things could happen like kids, family etc.. And No one knows god's plan but I don't plan on starting a family until I'm done with school, so please save the political explanation. Along with my plans are a few dilemma I face.

Dilemma/ route #1. As many of you know, a few years in an ICU is a major requirement for CRNA school. One of my fear is not getting hired into one right away and would waste years just waiting. So I plan on completing a BSN to DNP program within three years, and during that time continue to work on getting into an ICU. I feel that way, I can continue my education and hopefully gain some more experience along the way. If I get into a high acuity ICU while in a DNP program, I plan to apply to CRNA school right after. Now with that said, I know there are some CONS with that plan, one being me not working after completing the DNP program and working as a Nurse Practitioner if I get into CRNA school because I heard they don't allow that.

-Age Factor: 25-26years old(BSN completed),,, 26-29(DNP completed),, 30-33( CRNA school completed)

Dilemma/route #2. After completing my BSN and is lucky enough to get hired into a high acuity Intensive Care Unit, I plan on going to CRNA school, and completing my Doctoral. Afterward, I will complete a post-doctoral Family Nurse Practitioner certificate program which will take two additional years. 25-26 years old( BSN completed),, 27-30(DNAP completed),, 31-33( post-doc FNP certificate completed).

Dilemma/route #3. Lastly, if it seems reasonable and sensible, I think going to medical school and becoming an anesthesiologist. I feel that being an anesthesiologist is similar to being an CRNA/NP realistically. Now, I know many of you like to get into the political side of the statement I just made but please save yourself some time and don't touch on it. As I mentioned earlier I'm 22 yrs old and will be completed with my bsn by the time I'm 25, latest 26. Plan on completing a post-bac writhing a year(27 yrs old) and matriculating when I'm 28 yrs old. 28-34(MD completed),, 34-38(residency completed)..This is my plan c, because of the extensive comittment as well as numerous debt. If I were to be both an NP and CRNA my student loan would still be less then becoming an MD. With that said I can do it and really just need some advice or ideas on what you guys think

please forgive me on the many grammar and punctual mistakes in this post, I'm writing this from my phone. Also I know I'm young and some may try to streotype me and think I will change my mind many times before deciding but that's not me. I have shadow both CRNA's as well as NP's and I want and WILL be both! I would just appreciate any and all of you who have experience or any advice good or bad to give. I'm a big boy I can handle the comments but I pray that some are gunuine and not just looking for somewhere to vent because you are having a bad day. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR TIME.

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Why don't you just go to medical school and save yourself the time and effort of the very roundabout path you're contemplating?

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Are you staring nursing school or prerequisites for nursing school?

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If you are 22 now and will complete BSN at 26, are you just starting prereqs for nursing ?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Dialysis, Plasmapheresis.

Sounds like a ton of commitment and 60-80 hours a week of nothing but trying to achieve your goals for the next 8-10 years. But if you want to go for it good for you! I would say if you're going to school for 2 separate masters/doctorate degrees, just go for MD. You'll get more for you vested time once you're finished. Don't CRNA's take on call? When will you have time to be an NP that you went to school for 3 years to become? I say focus your goals a bit more. 6-8 more years after you graduate nursing school... Either 2 redundant degrees or one that will pay more AND make way more sense.

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Are you staring nursing school or prerequisites for nursing school?

Are you in my head ? that was almost identical simultaneous posting

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Are you in my head ? that was almost identical simultaneous posting

Yes, I am. :cool:

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Lofty goals, yet, attainable. I plan on doing the same as you. I am early 20's and a new grad in ICU, planning on both CRNA and NP. They compliment each other well and open many career opportunities.

Getting into ICU: I'll tell you what I did. I got a job as a part time tech/CNA in a large, high acuity ICU, worked there all throughout my program. Play your cards right, and you'll be hired as a shiny new grad into the unit. I considered my tech job to be a very looooooong working interview, and it paid off. So here I am as a new ICU grad.

Personally, I plan on doing a NP post master's certificate after CRNA school. It seems easier that way, and you'd be able to gain higher quality ICU experience if not involved in a NP program simultaneously.

My plan to avoid debt: travel nurse. I am young and single, as you sound to be. Travel ICU nurses can make some great money. In excess of $100K a year if you do it right. This will allow my undergraduate degree to be paid off in full, and have a large financial cushion to either pay my tuition cash, allow living expenses during anesthesia school, or both. Consider that option for yourself. Traveling ICU experience is also viewed favorably for anesthesia school admission committees.

I am curious why you plan on a BSN to DNP program? I don't see why that is necessary. Hopefully these ideas can prove helpful in your decision making.

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Wow you all are amazing for responding so fast! But to clarify some things I'm starting pharmacology soon in a two years ADN program. I will be 24 and after, I plan on completing a one year RN to BSN, so I will be 25.. "VANurse2010" I want to make that leap but I'm just looking at the 8 more years commitment. Also I'm thinking the student loans I will accumulate will be too much. Not to mention that along with my BSN course I will have to complete the medical school pre-req if I want to be 25 when I apply to med school. I'm just mentioning the cons but i know there are also many pros. Please continue to add your input, much appreciated.

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"Pangea" I'm starting nursing school in a few weeks, starting with pharmacology.

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"NurseRies" thank you so much for your input, that makes so much sense. I guess I'm second guessing if my hopeful accumulative GPA of 3.5 is good enough to get me into med school the first time if I apply to 50+ schools. I know it will be expensive but I'm willing to do anything to fulfill my dreams.

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"ICUman, congrats man!! That actually a great, idea I'll def get on that now.. I work an entry level job at the hospital right now but not in the ICU.

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