CoreyB

They're still using the same rankings from 2003.

There are always exceptions to the rule, but if the question is, on avg who are more holistic in their practice - then the answer is nurses. There is really no comparison. Doctors may spend more time in the hospital, but they're only spending about five to ten minutes with anyone patient. Not that many of them wouldn't like to spend more time, but their patient load won't allow it. There is no way you can have a truely holistic view in that short period of time - it just isn't possible. Nurses on the other hand spend 12hrs/day with their patients. I'm not arguing that one profession cares more about their patients than the other. I'm simply pointing out that one group is in a much better position to think and act holisticly. If you still doubt this you ought to spend some more time in the hospital. Don't just go to the ER for a few days. Go to the floor, L&D, and the ICU. Spend a few months volunteering. Talk to the doctors and nurses, and ask them about how much time they have to spend with their patients and what the focus of their attention usually is then form an opinion. As for the BS, both professions have their headaches. Insurance is much more of an issue for physicians because it affects their compensation. Nurses are paid by the hospital whether they're patients are insured or not. Physicians generally have to employ or contract with someone to do their billing and collections (and I've heard it can be a real source of frustration). Based on an objective analysis of all the professions you're considering, I think you'll find that they all have pros and cons. There is not one single profession that will have it all. Decide what aspects of healthcare are most important to you and make a choice.

Dixiedi- You're absolutely wrong. Nurses are not support staff. They are the reason patients come to the hospital - for nursing care. If the patient only needed medical or surgical treatment, they would go see the physician at the office or a same day surgery center. Your point about nothing being done unless it is written is also wrong. Yes many times nurses are making decisions based on standing orders or protocols, but that is not the same as having the doctor write out everything we're going to do. In fact I know for sure that the cardiothoracic surgeons, trauma surgeons and critical care doctors count on us knowing what we're doing and doing it (within the scope of our practice) without prompting from them. Because if we didn't it would mean either a delay in patient care or an unnecessary phone call to them (probably in the middle of the night). These generalizations maybe more specific to the ICU as that's where I work. However, as the majority of people posting either currently work there or have worked there in the past I think it is a little more relevant to the discussion than home health experience. CRNAs are not in the OR to support the anesthesiologist. They are there to care for the patient (manage respiratory/hemodynamic status and keep them as pain free as possible). Using your logic the anesthesiologist would be considered the surgeons support staff. I have a feeling many anesthesiologists would bristle at being labeled that way. As for crossing the line into medicine I have two points. First the courts have already determined that anesthesia provided by a CRNA is the practice of nursing. Second, as medical research and technology advance, as physicians' time gets stretched further and further, and as the quality of nursing education continues to improve nurses will continue to expand their scope of practice, not to enter into competition with doctors, but because the healthcare system (needs of patients and docs) demands it.

Thanks jskibis. Do you know if that list is comprehensive or are there other countries that allow CRNAs to practice but are not members of the international federation?

I am going on my last year of school in a BSN program. So I know I am getting a little ahead of myself, but does anyone know about CRNAs' ability to practice in foreign countries? I was in Costa Rica over the winter break and I met a med student down there who told me that only physicians practice anesthesia in CR. I did a couple of quick internet searches without success, so if anyone knows anything or could point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it.