Senior SRNA Accepted to Medical School. Now what?

[MelissaRN.FutureCRNA]

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?

[HillaryC, RN, CRNA]

Thanks for your input. For those of you who are less than convinced of my med school status, I was accepted into the medical school in which I am already an SRNA. I had taken MCATs prior to enrollment in the nurse anesthesia program. The interview process was also a bit easier as I knew the profs/deans involved. But let me assure you, it is indeed the case, and this dilemma is infact a reality. Again, many thanks to those of you who have offered constructive criticisms and advice.

Hi Melissa,

Someone once said something to me that I thought was quite valuable. This was several years ago when I was trying to decide if I wanted to go to nursing school or to med school. She said you have to figure out what you want to do, not just what you want to be. I think too many of us nurses are influenced by the ubiquitous message that going to med school is what smart nurses do. If you really want to do what an ICU intensivist does, then you need to go on to med school. Alternatively, have you thought about getting a post-master's certificate as an ACNP? Maybe you could find a part-time job as an ACNP, satisfying your need to be in the ICU. I once heard a talk at AACN's NTI by a nurse practitioner intensivist, but I can't imagine that role is very common. Maybe you could find a hospital open to creating a blended role for you.

Like others have replied, I also have to say that I have met two anesthesiologists who said if they were to do it all again they would go the CRNA route. If you decide to do med school, you should be sure that the end result is worth the extra time, money, and energy spent getting there. It seems a waste to me, since there is going to be such a shortage of anesthesia providers and someone else that really wants to be a CRNA could have taken your spot in your NAP. But ultimately, you have to do what's best for you.

You mentioned that your program has left you with a lot of questions and you mentioned the possibility of getting your PhD. To me, that seems like a more logical next step. You could get your doctorate in physiology or pharmacology and learn a whole lot more. In my experience, a professor with a PhD in physiology knows as much about physiology as someone with an MD, if not more.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

[jemommyRN]

When we were trying to decide on Medical school or NA school, we spoke with a MD that was about to start anesthesia residency. She said that if she had to do it again, she would have done CRNA. Her friend is a CRNA and she is usually out of the hospital daily at about 2pm. It kind of helped us make a choice.

[confused1234]

melissaRn are you Melissa Holton from TCU?

[Pass the Gas]

Regardless of the number of AA's and AA schools, the final decision will ultimately be made by the patients. Patient centeredness if that is a word is the new black. Patients will not want a person that is not sufficiently trained in anesthesia administration. Let's all not forget where anesthesia started, it was with nurses. I would never let an AA give me anesthesia. They will go out as quickly as they have come in.

[Raas4555]

It depends on whether you believe in supply and demand. Once the CRNA supply catches up to demand or when more states pass AA legislation and more AA schools open, then the CRNA party is over. Long-term, being a doc probably is better.

n_g, Could you elaborate on your comment a bit more?

[Josh L.Ac.]

Regardless of the number of AA's and AA schools, the final decision will ultimately be made by the patients. Patient centeredness if that is a word is the new black. Patients will not want a person that is not sufficiently trained in anesthesia administration. Let's all not forget where anesthesia started, it was with nurses. I would never let an AA give me anesthesia. They will go out as quickly as they have come in.

Probably just like PA's did because obviously they were underprepared because they weren't nurses first.

SRSLY?

KTHXBYE.