Nurse Practitioner and CRNA questions.

[Prettyladie]

I couldn't really post this in the CRNA thread, or the NP thread because it relates to both. After I finish my BSN, I really want to continue my education to advanced nursing. I dont know whether or not I should do NP or CRNA. They both intrigue me for different reasons, and I know their scope of practice are very different. I am interested in both. I've searched the threads from over the years and can't really find the answer to my question. So my question is, are there actually people who are NP's and CRNA's which I know they are, but is there anybody who works in both fields. I hope my question isn't confusing. I just want to know a typical work week if you do work with both your nurse practitioner certification and your CRNA certification. Or, do you just basically veer off and choose one speciality and just focus on that. I've never heard, or knew anybody who is a NP and CRNA and works in both fields at the same time. I'm new to this, so I just want some view points. So, basically is it possible to work as a NP and a CRNA. Thanks. Any info, would be greatly appreciated.

[bama357]

I guess you could do both, but you are looking at a lot of school, somewhere in the 5 years post BSN. Though both are advanced practice nurses, the scope of practice have nothing in common. Most NP are in primary care and have their own patients and practice. CRNA is a specialized practice. Decide what you want to do and pick one. I am sure you can find CRNA's and NP who will sit down with you and tell you pros and cons

[jocey768]

Try shadowing both and see what would be better for you.

[tokyoROSE, BSN, RN]

I have never heard of anyone being both an NP and CRNA. Two totally different jobs. CRNA schools are very competitive and rigorous, while you have a chance to specialize as an NP (family, pediatric, women's health, etc). Have you started clinicals? This would be a great time to seek out opportunities for you to shadow NP's and CRNA's.

[doehlzz]

Surprisingly, I know someone who has been both an NP and a CRNA. She originally went for her NP then decided to get her post masters as a CRNA. Many CRNA schools have the post masters option, unfrotunately while it sounds like you won't have to do as much as other CRNA students, you still have to take majority of the classes because the NP classes don't transfer into the CRNA program. It would probably increase your chances of CRNA admissions as well because they already know you can handle graduate level work, depending on your graduate GPA.