Jaredf

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I am in the same boat CRNA vs NP. I am an associate degree RN working home care here in the north midwest. 2011 is the 1st full year of RN in home care, and at the end of the year i will have cleared $73,000 before taxes. seems like a lot, but i did on average 8hrs OT every week. I am interested in becoming a mid-level practitioner with being able to intubate, insert chest tubes and central lines; along with being able to work in ER or ICU. I like the idea of the CRNA income, but just sitting in the OR for hours at a time administering drugs for the majority of your job, dosen't appeal to me. In my position now, the most interesting part is the replacement of the airway. I enjoy the adrenalin rush, i have no kids or spouse, nor do I plan on having either. so working a lot, is exciting to me. I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up. haha

I've herd with an ACNP you either work with peds or adults, I am not sure of this. I am interested in becoming a NP someday, and would like to work in an ER or ICU. Was wondering if I should do the FNP route and be able to work with peds and adults, increasing my job oportunities (in MN the ED's say as a qualification as FNP), however I herd you do not have extensive training in critical care/emergency. Where as the ACNP trains you on the acutely ill patients?

I am currently an Associate degree RN working in home care, and am trying to finish my BSN. I have always had an interest in advanced practice, bouncing from CRNA to NP, to PA. I finally decided to stick with the NP route. I have a high interest in being able to place chest tubes, insert central lines, ect. I would like to be able to work in an ED or ICU. However, I know this is kind of slim. And would like to someday become a snow bird NP, going down south in the winter. I am having difficulty deciding where to get my graduate degree, and what specialty. We currently do not have any ACNP programs here in MN, and have read in other forums that this limits you to either peds or adult. Whereas an FNP will allow you to see both, however your training in critical care rotation is limited. Wanted to know if any veterans out there with more experience than I, could point me in the right direction or inform me of their advance practice education, and their abilities? I do know that I need to get out of home care asap, however it is such a great school job, and it made me an expert with airway management (in home care). Thanks Jared