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Thanks to all, this was really helpful. I'm not sure if life will allow me to make the career change, but I'm really hoping to.

Right, I know that but what I'm asking is there a difference in scope of practice when a CRNA is practicing on his/her own without an MDA. Are there any limitations as to what sort of procedures, what sort of patients etc.

That was probably a poor choice of wording. I would love PICU/NICU but I was thinking of an adult ICU when I made that statement. Obviously patients that are unable to walk to the bathroom have to be changed. I view this as a very compassionate and necessary patient care responsibility. Just not something I think I would be good at because I don't have that mindset.

I'm sorry everyone, I know this seems elementary and may have been discussed. I've read through the forum and I haven't been able to actually gather what I'm looking for. I understand CRNA's CAN practice autonomously. From what I've read this seems to occur most often in rural settings. I'm considering "mid-level" careers in health care. I'm currently a paramedic (have been for a long time) and critical care is what most interests me. I really enjoy hemodynamics, airway management, acid base etc. I realize that this is a small portion of the role of an anesthesia provider, but I seem to find that PA's have to fight a lot of battles to be allowed to do what they've been trained for. It seems to me CRNA's have earned their place in healthcare more so than PAs. I apologize if this is stated poorly and I really do not want to offend anyone. I really like the idea of the CRNA role and anesthesia in general so I'm trying to discern what a CRNA's scope of practice is. Meaning, when a CRNA is practicing without MDA supervision/direction and are potentially the only anesthesia provider present within a hospital or clinic, what is it that CRNA's are limited (if anything) to. If you're a CRNA at a rural facility and you're the only anesthesia provider at the hospital, at what point would you have to consult with an MDA? I apologize for my ignorance, and I'm certainly not trying to start a discussion as to whether or not CRNA's provide equal treatment as MDAs. I'm merely asking what the scope of practice is, if there is one. Thank you

Hello all, This is my first post. I've read and acquired TONS of knowledge from this forum, so thank you all for that. I'm currently a paramedic and have been for over ten years. I've worked in critical care transport both as the sole advanced provider and with an RN. I really enjoy hemodynamics, acid/base and airway management. Lets face it, there's no money in pre-hospital EMS. I've read stories of ICU RNs making near 100K with not too much overtime. But, this question isn't really about the pay. I'm looking in to an accelerated BSN (I already have an unrelated bachelor's degree) and really I'm only considering ICU, trauma, medical, surgical, cardio... as an option. My question is that I'm really concerned with being unhappy. I really enjoy the hemodynamics etc. but I'm worried that I'll be unhappy with the "nursing 101" stuff such as diaper changes, bathing, etc. I love helping people, but I would not be good at that sort of stuff. Should I stay away from being an RN and shoot for getting in to PA school and hopefully scoring an ICU gig? Thanks?