Question

jer_sd · Dec 30, 2007

I am currently in the process of getting my BSN, and I am trying to decide between becoming a CRNA or a Family Nurse Practitioner, money is not a factor in my decision, I was wondering does a FNP get to prescribe medicine without a doctor or do they have to have a doctor sign off first, which states allow them to prescribe medicine by themselves. Are FNP considered Doctors or Nurses, are FNP's allowed to open up their own practice in some states, or do they have to work with doctors?

The role of FNP and CRNA is very different try to spend time with both after graduation before you decide on which way you want to go.

NPs can issue a rx in all states, some require supervision, colaberation or independant practice. Supervision does not mean that the NP has to ask the MD/DO/DDS (in at least 1 state dentists can supervise NPs) for permision to write a rx rather it is done under protocols or some other mechanism. Some states NPs can not rx for controlled substances but this is a small number.

All advance practice nurses are considered advanced practice nurses not physicians. They are licensed unde t he board of nursing.

In all states a NP can open up a practice, this may be limited to colaberation, supervision or may be independant depending on state laws. Insurance companies can refuse to pay for providers, not admit them on to pannels, hospitals can not grant privilages ect so even if the stte says you can work solo there can be other barriers to independant practice.

One thing to keep in mind is that state laws can change at anytime, NPs in independant states can loose independance, rx authority can change ect.... No one in healthcare practices truly independantly even in a solo practice you will need to consult/colaberate/reffer to other health care providers on a routine basis. Rather than focusing on independant status I would advise focus on getting the best training possible. There will always be ways to work within the state requirements to take care of patients so I woudl not focus on that aspect of the role.

Jeremy

yellow finch, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2007

Jeremy answered your questions pretty darn thoroughly, so all I can add is wait until you finish your BSN program, land yourself a job where you feel you can learn about basic nursing, and start talking to graduate NPs/CRNAs to get an idea of what their jobs are like. The two fields are vastly different and the environments they work in are just as unique. You interact and treat patients in ways that are specific to the title.

Back when I was in nursing school I thought all I wanted was to become a CRNA. The position sounded fascinating, the pay pretty decent, and autonomy suited me just fine. Then I applied to an FNP program in order to earn that grad degree and build up a foundation for a future CRNA certification program. Wow! I have never been happier! As of now, I'm one year away from graduating and don't have the desire to apply for CRNA school. Instead, I'm aiming for an ACNP post-grad certification so I can remain hands on while keeping my mind sharp and always up-to-date on current treatments and interventions in direct care.

Keep an open mind and soak it all in. You have lots of options available once you get that experience in. Enjoy the moment and don't worry too much about your graduate studies. You just have to get through the undergrad part first.

Best of luck to you!