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Thanks

Thannks for the advice. Also, my apologies. I just read my last post again. I left out a word. I meant to say "Every ultrasound TECHNICIAN I've ever met seems to be very happy." Please forgive me. I'm exhausted, mentally drained and stressed.

I just wanted to add an addendum to my post. As crazy as it sounds the other career choice I was considering was a Ultrasound Technician (Cardiac Sonographer). I'm still doing research on this profession but from what I've read training is only 18 months, salaries can be as high as $70K and they can work in the hospital or outpatient setting. I have to admit every ultrasound I've met seems to be very happy. Which is of paramount importance to me. I'm far less concerned with reducing my income or having "technician" behind my name. However, as I said I'm still doing research. Specifically on the academic requirements. I would assume I've already taken all of the prerequisites. I also think these programs are full time. Unfortunately, I simply cannot afford to go back to school full time so I would have to consider all of these factors. I also wanted to add, I'm not here to bash nurse anesthesia in any way. It's a wonderful profession that can be very rewarding. I always encourage young nurses to pursue it if they have an interest. However a career as a CRNA can also be very frustrating. My desire to change careers is personal and the reasons are too numerous to list here. I'm sure my unhappiness has surprised most of you reading this post. Thanks to the "well oiled" PR machine at the AANA our job satisfaction is always rated at about 95 to 97%. My friends this number is terribly over inflated. It's just simply not accurate. However, nurse anesthetist are very well compensated for our highly skilled and highly stressful jobs. We're very well respected and the "glamorous" advance practice nurses. Therefore we are NEVER to complain. NEVER. However, when you hate to go work everyday it's time to make a change. A CRNA I met years ago when I was still an ICU nurse and in the process of applying to anesthesia schools warned me . . ."be careful what you wish for". Truer words have never been spoken. I would appreciate any thoughts or comments on a career as an ultra sound technician.

Hello. I'm a nurse anesthetist with 20 years of experience and 30 years of experience as an RN. For many reasons, I want to transition out of anesthesia. I've always had an interest in teaching however I don't have a Masters In Nursing. My Masters is in Biology (this was the only degree offered by my nurse anesthesia program). Based on my research it seems like it's virtually impossible to secure a BSN teaching position without a MSN. Does anyone know if one can teach at a LPN program without a MSN? At my age (53) going back to school for an additional degree is just not an option. I have considered taking the "simulation course" at Drexel University however I'm not sure how much this would help me. I taught while I was in the military, in grad school and nurse anesthesia students during their clinical rotations etc. however I do not have any FORMAL teaching experience. That being said, in my 30 years I've worked in EVERY clinical setting. In my heart I know I can be an effective nurse educator if given the opportunity. I truly feel I have something to offer the next generation of nurses. I would sincerely appreciate any advice or ideas. Thank you in advance and God Bless. Philippians 4:13 TG

Based on the above response, does anyone think I might be better served looking for an LPN teaching position? Based on my research, there do seem to be a lot of LPN teaching opportunities. However, I don't recall seeing any in the Maryland/DC area. More importantly, I'm not sure how much LPN's are used anymore. I know when I first graduated (1985) there were a LOT of LPN's. Especially in the military. Some of the BEST nurses I ever worked with were LPN's. One of the best kept secrets was that the LPN's actually ran most floors. Not "on paper" or based on "rank" but IN REALITY they did. That being said, I've haven't been on a Med-Surg floor in probably 25+ years so I'm sure things have certainly changed. Maybe with health care reform and cost cutting at most hospitals there might be a renewed need or desire for LPN's? Any thoughts or opinions? Thanks in advance. TG

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely look into "simulation teaching".

Hello: I'm looking for some advice and guidance. I've been a NURSE ANESTHETIST for 20 years and a RN for 30 years. For personal and professional reasons I'm looking to make a career change. I would like to teach nursing on the UNDERGRADUATE level. I don't have any "formal" teaching experience but I did have the opportunity to teach while I was in the military and often taught nurse anesthesia students during their clinical rotations etc. Excluding my 20 years as a CRNA I've worked in EVERY clinical setting (ICU, ER and OR) and I definitely feel I have something to offer the next generation of nurses. Especially in the area of critical thinking skills. However, I am encountering one major "stumbling block". I DO NOT have a Master's in NURSING. My nurse anesthesia program only offered a Master's in BIOLOGY. Most states require a MSN or MEd to teach nursing. To that end, the other issue is that I'm 53 years old and quite honestly have NO DESIRE to go back to school. My son just graduated from college 3 years ago and my daughter will be starting college in 3 years so I really don't want to incur the additional debt etc. My preference would be to teach in the traditional classroom setting but I would be open to teaching online etc. I live in Maryland but I would be willing to relocate for the RIGHT opportunity. Does anyone have any advice on how I should proceed? I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance. TG

Cathy: Thanks so much for your kind words. At least I know there are other nurses out there that are also unhappy with their careers. I'm a divored father of two and I focus all of my time away from work on my children. They are also the reason I've continued my career as a nurse anesthetist. Thanks again for your thoughts.

I've been a nurse anesthetist for 12 years and I absolutely HATE my career choice. I dread going to work each day. I'm tired of the arrogant surgeons, condescending and controlling anesthesiologist and the constant rushing in the OR at the expense of patient safety. I've seriously considered changing careers all together however I'm making more money than I ever thought I would in my lifetime. I'm not sure if I'm on the correct website to discuss this but I just can't get anyone to listen to my frustrations. Most people think I'm crazy to be so unhappy in such a "pretigious" and "lucrative" career. I absolutely love taking care of my patients but I just feel that everyone else is working against me in this process. Income aside, I'm absolutely miserable and not sure what to do. Does anyone else out there feel the same way? Is any other CRNA out there as dissatisfied as I am with there career? Please let me know. Thanks for your time.