NP vs CRNA- Which one?

[kukukajoo]

I have already decided that I will continuing my education to a Masters or beyond. I had always thought that I wanted to become a CRNA, but today I spoke with a professor and she said I should probably go for my NP first as then I will have more of a scope of practice.

I was wondering what anyone else thought about the two and I am currently looking into how probable it may be to get both, if the coursework is congruent at all.

Any thoughts or ideas? Anyone done this? Pros? Cons?

Has anyone gotten both their CRNA and NP?

Thanks!

[genrn2008]

I am still trying to decide myself. I am not too concerned about money....so I am not really looking for compensation, I am more concerned about which is more fulfilling and what I would like to do for many years. I definately will get my Masters but I just don't know which one yet.

NP Pros: seems more diverse, you can practice in an office and pretty much manage your own patients

Cons: less pay

CRNA Pros: more pay, you do the same thing each day which means that it is not too complex (after you get many years of experience of course)

Cons: more liability

I just don't want to do NP then regret and wish I did CRNA.... I already have too many degrees to keep changing my mind (Bachelors in Sociology, Bachelors in Nursing, Masters in Public Administration)...I just want to get one more Masters but haven't decided yet! I will be shadowing a CRNA later this week

Also, my sister is a CRNA and my parents are pressuring me to do the same (even though they don't really know

what CRNA's do other than make more money)

[AtomicWoman]

Getting critical care experience will be way more important than having your NP in terms of getting accepted into CRNA school. Here's some advice from a local CRNA program:

http://sn.umdnj.edu/academics/masters/nurseanesthesia/advice.html