RN --> CRNA or Law School?

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Hey all,

Currently, I am on a CRNA alternate list, but debate if it is really where my heart lies. I have been an ICU nurse for 3+ years now, and am drawn to the idea of getting my JD and working within healthcare, whether that means in compliance, risk management, etc. My ultimate goal down that path would be some type of leadership role - CCO, etc.

I am wondering advice on job prospects, salary, and work/life balance. Anyone that went to law school after nursing? Just to be transparent, currently last year I made $120K, and am hoping that I would be making more in the future with my RN, JD. I understand that may not be right away, but would like to know that being CCO, etc., has the potential of being lucrative.

Ultimately, I am trying to decide if a better career route would be law school, or CRNAschool.

Any advice would be great!

Thanks!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

IMHO life is too short to do something you aren't passionate about. What do you LIKE to do? Have you shadowed or talked with any RN, JDs? That might be a starting point.

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Sorry to go off track, but 120k as bedside RN? Damn. Are you in Cali and pulling crazy OT?

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Yep! I know it’s crazy. I don’t know if it’ll be the same this year but it’ll be at least 100k. It’s because I work Per Diem and I work full-time most weeks and sometimes I work 4 12s. We have a program during respiratory season that pays more when you pick up extra and it sure adds up. Nope not in CA!

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Specializes in CRNA.

Leadership positions in health care organizations can be very lucrative and we need people who understand patient care. If that’s your interest, go for it. Great to have nurses making decisions. Have you tried a leadership position to see if you like it?

Save money while you can to avoid extensive debt whatever your educational path. Really opens options up to be able to choose your job based on something beside needing to pay off debt.

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8 hours ago, inspiredbynavy said:

Sorry to go off track, but 120k as bedside RN? Damn. Are you in Cali and pulling crazy OT?

Nope. Cali nurses make way more than that. Northern CA Kaiser nurses with 5 years experience make a base of $75/hr. Plus benefits.

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On 10/25/2019 at 4:24 PM, BigPappaCRNA said:

Nope. Cali nurses make way more than that. Northern CA Kaiser nurses with 5 years experience make a base of $75/hr. Plus benefits.

Is this only in the Bay Area? Or which part of Northern CA are you referring to

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7 hours ago, ICUman said:

Is this only in the Bay Area? Or which part of Northern CA are you referring to

Nope. Anywhere there is Kaiser, in Northern CA. Not just the Bay Area.

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