Bucky

When I write orders for a patient to be NPO, and still want them to have certain po meds, I'll write the order exactly that way. "NPO after [time] except may take AM meds with a sip of water." If there is any doubt, seek clarification to avoid a "med error". There is still customary appropriateness for the NPO after midnight dictum for adult patients having first-thing-in-the-morning surgery. Such NPOness harms almost no adults. Healthy patients who aren't terrified (terror shuts off digestion/absorption) are probably safe with NPO for 4 hours for clear liquids and 6 hours for anything else. For children, the NPO criteria slide depending upon age. I'll abide a 2 hour NPO status for a 1 y/o, for example. Regurgitation/aspiration is a SERIOUS situation and can result in long recovery periods, though fortunately, rarely results in death.

If you are a senior in high school, I'd recommend you go to medical school and ultimately become an anesthesiologist. It is MUCH harder to get into CRNA school than medical school (much more competition for the few available slots.) To become a CRNA (the most practical way) takes this: 4 years for BSN (don't skip this step); 2-4 years for MSN (*only* go to an MSN-type of CRNA program!) Inbetween the BSN and MSN you will be REQUIRED to work in some sort of intensive care setting for 2-4 years (program dependent). Income potentials vary WIDELY. There are new graduate CRNAs earning $60k/yr and some earning $200k+/yr. Like everything else in life, money is negotiable. Demand vs competitiveness: Supply vs Demand. Simple economics. Being a CRNA can be very physically and intellectually demanding work. There is very high production pressure and if things go wrong, they can go very wrong. Many CRNAs burn out early and quit. It harbors the highest drug addiction population among nursing specialties (estimated to be upwards of 10%). There is a higher-than-average suicide rate among CRNAs (and anesthesiologists). If you haven't been deterred, then go the BSN-MSN route and you won't be disappointed.

A CRNA may practice in any state in the USA, as well as US Protectorates, colonies, whatever. The sub-licensing requirements vary widely (ie, post RN licensing).