MelissaRN.FutureCRNA

Thanks for your input.

Help! So, what is one to do when one finds oneself contemplating medical school with one year remaining in the nurse anesthesia program? Should I go for it? Should I continue with nurse anesthesia? I do love it (anesthesia nursing) -- but, I do miss the ICU (and as an MDA, I could be much more involved in the ICU), and perhaps most of all, I do want to know more -- as I've noticed the nurse anesthesia curriculum is so focused that it leaves me asking more questions than it answers. It has left me wanting, seeking more . . . Then again, I love the academic environment. Would a PhD be a better fit? That way, I could remain true to the profession in which I believe, while gaining the additional knowledge I need, I want, I am so thirsty for . . . I could teach, be involved in research endeavors, and perhaps help facilitate the nurse anesthesia cause. But would that cause be better served by an anesthesiologist? Decisions, decisions. What's a girl to do?

Thank you so much -- that really helps! I just got back from the MidYear Assembly in DC and was fortunate enough to meet some CRNAs from WA who all seemed great. I also know that WA is an opt-out state, making it appear (at least from a distance) a little more CRNA friendly. Thanks again for the info! I look forward to the transcontinental move in a short 18 months! ;-)

Just wondering about the job market in the NW. Any info?

The thread is actually gaswork.com -- the other is a bad little site! ;-) But gaswork will give you an idea of where the jobs are and what they're paying. Be sure to take note of whether it is a 1099 or W2 job.

Thank you all so much for your input. I really appreciate your words of advice.

Help! I need so much help! I have finished the first half of my didactic curriculum, and have absolutely loved the program. I did great -- everything has really gone well with regards to academics. On the other hand, my personal life is a bit of a mess. Is it possible to transfer schools? I seriously doubt this, but I was just wondering if anyone knew of any programs that would accept transfer students. I don't know what else to do. So far, anesthesia school has been a breeze compared to all of the personal life crap that has happened while I've been here! Thanks for your input!

Thanks so much -- that helped a lot! m

As an SRNA, I am only beginning to understand all of the federal legislative and reimbursement issues. Could one of you experienced CRNAs briefly explain TEFRA and how it affects your practice as anesthesia providers. Thank you so very much! Melissa

Hey guys! I love hearing your success stories! Congrats! I start anesthesia school in September, and will graduate in November 2008. How long does it take from the time your graduate to the time you are PREPARED (after many hours of studying, no doubt) to take your test? Thanks for the info and congratulations again! Melissa

Washington State appears to be very pro-CRNA from what I have observed. Of course, it also depends on the location and anesthesia group or hospital for whom you work. Washington is one of the states that have opted out of the medicare rule that required anesthesiologist supervision for reimbursement, I believe . . . though I'm not 100% on the latest info. But, I do know of many hospitals in which the CRNA is the sole provider of anesthesia. Fortunately, WA is also a beautiful state with lots of activities -- from camping and hiking to fine art, food, music, and wine!

Ok people -- enough of this childish bickering! Back to the subject -- CRNA friendly states. One would hope that those states would be a bit more friendly to their fellow CRNAs than this board!

Pete, Thanks for your input! I am leaning toward the smaller hospital setting, being from a rural area myself. I appreciate your feedback! Melissa

If one has a choice as to where they would obtain clinical practice/experience, would it be better to choose a highly renowned teaching hospital that has MD residents competing with RRNAs for experience, or a smaller hospital that still encompasses neuro/cardiac/regional experience in an all or nearly all CRNA model without competition for cases from resident MDs? Again, thanks in advance to all of you who have had to make this choice for sharing your experience and expertise! Thanks Again! Melissa

I completely understand what a CCRN is, and the clear benefits it endows upon the Critical Care RN who may hold such certification. However, is there any benefit for a CRNA to become certified as CCRN; or is it implied that a CRNA has at least as much knowledge base as a CCRN? Since the CRNA in an APN with critical care experience, and a full comprehension of the vasoactive gtts, vent managment, pathophysiological processes related to critical care nursing, etc., it seems like there is not much use for CCRN certification once CRNA status is obtained? Is this a misunderstanding on my part? Certainally, I respect critical care nurses (being one myself), but as an aspiring CRNA with a fairly clear understanding of the intellectual demands of the job, I'm not sure I see CCRN as beneficial to CRNAs? Of course, it would be to someone who was not accepted yet to CRNA school. But for a CRNA, it seems to be redundant? I'm really sorry if I'm way off on this -- and I certainally don't want to offend. Just trying to determine whether I should take the CCRN exam (for which I was studying) before I start my CRNA program in September. Thanks for your input! Melissa