thinking about becoming a crna. have some questions.

cdcd67 · Dec 6, 2008

I'm a newbie on this stuff as well, but a lot of your questions have been answered already. Did you check out the CRNA faq?

https://allnurses.com/forums/f16/read-first-crna-faq-26690.html

As for the epidural stuff, I'm not sure..sorry...would anyone else like to fill in?

cdcd67 · Dec 7, 2008

o wait..if you check out the CRNA faqs, they state.."CRNA's do anesthesia of all types. In school, you will learn about general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and spinal and epidural anesthesia."

loveanesthesia · Dec 7, 2008

I would be nervous about doing anything spinal like epidurals. how dangerous is that?

All types of anesthesia are "dangereous", that's why extensive training and careful selection of nurse anesthesia students are very important. Your statement above really makes me question if it is the right fit for you. You need to have a strong ego to enjoy anesthesia, if you are timid you will not be happy. Working in a busy ICU will give you a taste of the type of decision making under pressure you need to do. I think you need to explore nurse anesthesia in depth before you decide to go that direction.

gluck · Dec 7, 2008

I would be much more concerned about someone who isn't nervous about placing epidurals

Safety is all about knowing what you don't know and the willingness to learn

Keep on keepin on Trinias

simrope · Dec 10, 2008

The programs range from 24 - 36 months. The average salary is 100,000 per year. The hours range from four 10 hours per week, five 8 hour shift per week, or the typical three 12 hour shifts. Remember you can always talk about your hours in your interview.